LIS

Administrative Code

Virginia Administrative Code
12/22/2024

Part VII. Resident Accommodations and Related Provisions

22VAC40-73-740. Personal possessions.

A. Each resident shall be permitted to keep reasonable personal property in his possession at a facility in order to maintain individuality and personal dignity.

B. A facility shall ensure that each resident has his own clothing.

1. The use of a common clothing pool is prohibited.

2. If necessary, resident's clothing shall be inconspicuously marked with his name to avoid getting mixed with others.

3. Residents shall be allowed and encouraged to select their daily clothing and wear clothing to suit their activities and appropriate to weather conditions.

C. Each resident shall have his own personal care items.

D. Each facility shall develop and implement a written policy regarding procedures to be followed when a resident's clothing or other personal possessions, such as jewelry, television, radio, or other durable property, are reported missing. Attempts shall be made to determine the reason for the loss and any reasonable actions shall be taken to recover the item and to prevent or discourage future losses. The results of the investigation shall be reported in writing to the resident. Documentation shall be maintained for at least two years regarding items that were reported missing and resulting actions that were taken.

Statutory Authority

§§ 63.2-217, 63.2-1732, 63.2-1802, 63.2-1805, and 63.2-1808 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 6, eff. February 1, 2018.

22VAC40-73-750. Resident rooms.

A. The resident shall be encouraged to furnish or decorate his room as space and safety considerations permit and in accordance with this chapter.

B. Bedrooms shall contain the following items, except as provided for in subsection C of this section:

1. A separate bed with comfortable mattress, springs, and pillow for each resident. Provisions for a double bed for a married couple shall be optional;

2. A table or its equivalent accessible to each bed;

3. An operable bed lamp or bedside light accessible to each resident;

4. A sturdy chair for each resident;

5. Drawer space for clothing and other personal items. If more than one resident occupies a room, ample drawer space shall be assigned to each resident;

6. At least one mirror - if the resident has an individual adjoining bathroom, the mirror may be in the bathroom; and

7. Window coverings for privacy.

C. If a resident specifies in writing that he does not wish to have an item or items listed in subsection B of this section and understands that he may decide otherwise at any time, the resident's bedroom is not required to contain those specified items. The written specification shall be maintained in the resident's record.

D. Adequate and accessible closet or wardrobe space shall be provided for each resident. As of December 28, 2006, in all buildings approved for construction or change in use and occupancy classification, the closet or wardrobe space shall be in the resident's bedroom.

E. The facility shall have sufficient bed and bath linens in good repair so that residents always have clean:

1. Sheets;

2. Pillowcases;

3. Blankets;

4. Bedspreads;

5. Towels;

6. Washcloths; and

7. Waterproof mattress covers when needed.

Statutory Authority

§§ 63.2-217, 63.2-1732, 63.2-1802, 63.2-1805, and 63.2-1808 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 6, eff. February 1, 2018.

22VAC40-73-760. Living room or multipurpose room.

A. Sitting rooms or recreation areas or both shall be equipped with:

1. Comfortable chairs (e.g., overstuffed, straight-backed, and rockers);

2. Tables;

3. Lamps;

4. Television, if not available in other common areas of the facility;

5. Radio, if not available in other common areas of the facility; and

6. Current newspaper, if not available in other common areas of the facility.

B. Space other than sleeping areas shall be provided for residents for sitting, for visiting with one another or with guests, for social and recreational activities, and for dining. These areas may be used interchangeably.

Statutory Authority

§§ 63.2-217, 63.2-1732, 63.2-1802, 63.2-1805, and 63.2-1808 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 6, eff. February 1, 2018.

22VAC40-73-770. Dining areas.

Dining areas shall have a sufficient number of sturdy dining tables and chairs to serve all residents, either all at one time or in reasonable shifts.

Statutory Authority

§§ 63.2-217, 63.2-1732, 63.2-1802, 63.2-1805, and 63.2-1808 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 6, eff. February 1, 2018.

22VAC40-73-780. Laundry and linens.

A. Residents' clothing shall be kept clean and in good repair.

B. Bed and bath linens shall be changed at least every seven days and more often if needed. In facilities with common bathing areas, bath linens shall be changed after each use.

C. When the facility provides laundry service for residents' clothing or personal linens, the clean items shall be sorted by individual resident.

D. Table coverings and napkins shall be clean at all times.

E. Table and kitchen linens shall be laundered separately from other washable goods.

F. When bed, bath, table, and kitchen linens are washed, the water shall be above 140°F or the dryer shall heat the linens above 140°F as verified by the manufacturer or a sanitizing agent shall be used according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Statutory Authority

§§ 63.2-217, 63.2-1732, 63.2-1802, 63.2-1805, and 63.2-1808 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 6, eff. February 1, 2018.

22VAC40-73-790. Transportation.

The resident shall be assisted in making arrangements for transportation as necessary.

Statutory Authority

§§ 63.2-217, 63.2-1732, 63.2-1802, 63.2-1805, and 63.2-1808 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 6, eff. February 1, 2018.

22VAC40-73-800. Incoming and outgoing mail.

A. Incoming and outgoing mail shall not be censored.

B. Incoming mail shall be delivered promptly.

C. Mail shall not be opened by staff or volunteers except upon request of the resident and in his presence or written request of the legal representative.

Statutory Authority

§§ 63.2-217, 63.2-1732, 63.2-1802, 63.2-1805, and 63.2-1808 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 6, eff. February 1, 2018.

22VAC40-73-810. Telephones.

A. Each building shall have at least one operable, nonpay telephone easily accessible to staff. There shall be additional telephones or extensions as may be needed to summon help in an emergency.

B. The resident shall have reasonable access to a nonpay telephone on the premises.

C. Privacy shall be provided for residents to use a telephone.

Statutory Authority

§§ 63.2-217, 63.2-1732, 63.2-1802, 63.2-1805, and 63.2-1808 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 6, eff. February 1, 2018.

22VAC40-73-820. Smoking.

A. Smoking by residents, staff, volunteers, and visitors shall be done only in areas designated by the facility and approved by the State Fire Marshal or local fire official. Smoking shall not be allowed in a kitchen or food preparation areas. A facility may prohibit smoking on its premises.

B. All designated smoking areas shall be provided with suitable ashtrays.

C. Residents shall not be permitted to smoke in or on their beds.

D. All common areas shall have smoke-free areas designated for nonsmokers.

Statutory Authority

§§ 63.2-217, 63.2-1732, 63.2-1802, 63.2-1805, and 63.2-1808 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 6, eff. February 1, 2018.

22VAC40-73-830. Resident councils.

A. The facility shall permit and encourage the formation of a resident council by residents and shall assist the residents in its establishment.

B. The purposes of the resident council shall be to:

1. Work with the administration in improving the quality of life for all residents;

2. Discuss the services offered by the facility and make recommendations for resolution of identified problems or concerns; and

3. Perform other functions as determined by the council.

C. The resident council shall be composed of residents of the facility and the council may extend membership to family members, advocates, friends, and others. Residents shall be encouraged but shall not be compelled to attend meetings.

D. The facility shall assist residents in maintaining the resident council, including:

1. Scheduling regular meetings;

2. Providing space for meetings;

3. Posting notice for meetings;

4. Providing assistance in attending meetings for those residents who request it; and

5. Preparing written reports of meetings as requested by the council for dissemination to all residents.

E. The facility shall provide a written response to the council prior to the next meeting regarding any recommendations made by the council for resolution of problems or concerns.

F. In order to promote a free exchange of ideas, at least part of each meeting shall be allowed to be conducted without the presence of any facility personnel.

G. If there is no council, the facility shall annually remind residents that they may establish a resident council and that the facility would assist in its formation and maintenance. The general purpose of the council shall also be explained at this time.

Statutory Authority

§§ 63.2-217, 63.2-1732, 63.2-1802, 63.2-1805, and 63.2-1808 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 6, eff. February 1, 2018.

22VAC40-73-840. Pets living in the assisted living facility.

A. Each assisted living facility shall develop and implement a written policy regarding pets living on the premises that will ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and staff.

B. If a facility allows pets to live on the premises, the following applies:

1. The policy specified in subsection A of this section shall include:

a. The types of pets that are permitted in the assisted living facility; and

b. The conditions under which pets may be in the assisted living facility.

2. Before being allowed to live on the premises, pets shall have had all recommended or required immunizations and shall be certified by a licensed veterinarian to be free of diseases transmittable to humans.

3. Pets living on the assisted living facility premises:

a. Shall have regular examinations and immunizations, appropriate for the species, by a licensed veterinarian; and

b. Shall be restricted from central food preparation areas.

4. Documentation of examinations and immunizations shall be maintained at the facility.

5. Pets shall be well-treated and cared for in compliance with state regulations and local ordinances.

6. Any resident's rights, preferences, and medical needs shall not be compromised by the presence of a pet.

7. Any pet living on the premises shall have a suitable temperament, be healthy, and otherwise pose no significant health or safety risks to residents, staff, volunteers, or visitors.

Statutory Authority

§§ 63.2-217, 63.2-1732, 63.2-1802, 63.2-1805, and 63.2-1808 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 6, eff. February 1, 2018.

22VAC40-73-850. Pets visiting the assisted living facility.

If an assisted living facility allows pets to visit the premises, the following shall apply:

1. The facility shall have a written policy regarding such pets;

2. Any pet present at the facility shall be in good health and show no evidence of carrying any disease;

3. Any resident's rights, preferences, and medical needs shall not be compromised by the presence of a pet; and

4. Any pet shall be well-treated while visiting on the premises, have a suitable temperament, and otherwise pose no significant health or safety risks to residents, staff, volunteers, or visitors.

Statutory Authority

§§ 63.2-217, 63.2-1732, 63.2-1802, 63.2-1805, and 63.2-1808 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 6, eff. February 1, 2018.

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