Part VIII. Buildings and Grounds
22VAC40-73-860. General requirements.
A. Buildings licensed for ambulatory residents or nonambulatory residents shall be classified by and meet the specifications for the proper use and occupancy classification as required by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (13VAC5-63).
B. Documentation completed and signed by the building official shall be obtained as evidence of compliance with the applicable edition of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
C. Before construction begins or contracts are awarded for any new construction, remodeling, or alterations, plans shall be submitted to the department for review.
D. Doors and windows.
1. All doors shall open and close readily and effectively.
2. Any doorway that is used for ventilation shall be effectively screened.
3. Any operable window (i.e., a window that may be opened) shall be effectively screened.
E. There shall be enclosed walkways between residents' rooms and dining and sitting areas that are adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.
F. There shall be an ample supply of hot and cold water from an approved source available to the residents at all times.
G. Hot water at taps available to residents shall be maintained within a range of 105°F to 120°F.
H. Where there is an outdoor area accessible to residents, such as a porch or lawn, it shall be equipped with furniture in season.
I. Each facility shall store cleaning supplies and other hazardous materials in a locked area, except as noted in subsection J of this section.
J. A resident may be permitted to keep his own cleaning supplies or other hazardous materials in an out-of-sight place in his room if the resident does not have a serious cognitive impairment. The cleaning supplies or other hazardous materials shall be stored so that they are not accessible to other residents.
Exception: When a resident keeps his own cleaning supplies or other hazardous materials in his room and if the facility has no residents with serious cognitive impairments, the facility may determine that the out-of-sight and inaccessibility safeguards specified in this subsection do not apply, unless mandated by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code or Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (13VAC5-51).
K. Each facility shall develop and implement a written policy regarding weapons on the premises of the facility that will ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and staff. Any facility permitting any type of firearm on the premises must include procedures to ensure that ammunitions and firearms are stored separately and in locked locations.
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.
22VAC40-73-870. Maintenance of buildings and grounds.
A. The interior and exterior of all buildings shall be maintained in good repair and kept clean and free of rubbish.
B. All buildings shall be well-ventilated and free from foul, stale, and musty odors.
C. Adequate provisions for the collection and legal disposal of garbage, ashes, and waste material shall be made.
D. Buildings shall be kept free of infestations of insects and vermin. The grounds shall be kept free of their breeding places.
E. All furnishings, fixtures, and equipment, including furniture, window coverings, sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and showers, shall be kept clean and in good repair and condition, except that furnishings and equipment owned by a resident shall be, at a minimum, in safe condition and not soiled in a manner that presents a health hazard.
F. All inside and outside steps, stairways, and ramps shall have nonslip surfaces.
G. Grounds shall be properly maintained to include mowing of grass and removal of snow and ice.
H. Handrails shall be provided on all stairways, ramps, elevators, and at changes of floor level.
I. Elevators, where used, shall be kept in good running condition and shall be inspected at least annually. Elevators shall be inspected in accordance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (13VAC5-63). The signed and dated certificate of inspection issued by the local authority shall be evidence of such inspection.
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.
22VAC40-73-880. Heating, ventilation, and cooling.
A. At least one movable thermometer shall be available in each building for measuring temperatures in individual rooms that do not have a fixed thermostat that shows the temperature in the room.
B. Heating.
1. Heat shall be supplied from a central heating plant or an electrical heating system in accordance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (13VAC5-63).
2. Provided their installation or operation has been approved by the state or local building or fire authorities, space heaters, such as but not limited to, wood burning stoves, coal burning stoves, and oil heaters, or portable heating units either vented or unvented, may be used only to provide or supplement heat in the event of a power failure or similar emergency. These appliances shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
3. A temperature of at least 72°F shall be maintained in all areas used by residents during hours when residents are normally awake. During night hours, when residents are asleep, a temperature of at least 68°F shall be maintained. This standard applies unless otherwise mandated by federal or state authorities.
Exception: The facility may allow the temperature in a bedroom in which only one resident resides, which has a thermostat in the room, to be controlled by the resident as long as the temperature does not endanger the health, safety, or welfare of the resident.
C. Cooling.
1. The facility shall provide in all buildings an air conditioning system for all areas used by residents, including residents' bedrooms and common areas. Temperatures in all areas used by residents shall not exceed 80°F.
Exception: The facility may allow the temperature in a bedroom in which only one resident resides, which has a thermostat in the room, to be controlled by the resident as long as the temperature does not endanger the health, safety, or welfare of the resident.
2. Any electric fans shall be screened and placed for the protection of the residents.
D. The facility shall develop and implement a plan to protect residents from heat-related and cold-related illnesses in the event of loss of air-conditioning or heat due to emergency situations or malfunctioning or broken equipment.
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.
22VAC40-73-890. Lighting and lighting fixtures.
A. Artificial lighting shall be by electricity.
B. All interior and exterior areas shall be adequately lighted for the safety and comfort of residents and staff.
C. Glare shall be kept at a minimum in rooms used by residents. When necessary to reduce glare, coverings shall be used for windows and lights.
D. If used, fluorescent lights shall be replaced if they flicker or make noise.
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.
22VAC40-73-900. Sleeping areas.
Resident sleeping quarters shall provide:
1. For not less than 450 cubic feet of air space per resident;
2. For square footage as provided in this subdivision:
a. As of February 1, 1996, all buildings approved for construction or change in use and occupancy classification, as referenced in the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (13VAC5-63), shall have not less than 100 square feet of floor area in bedrooms accommodating one resident; otherwise not less than 80 square feet of floor area in bedrooms accommodating one resident shall be required.
b. As of February 1, 1996, all buildings approved for construction or change in use and occupancy classification, as referenced in the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, shall have not less than 80 square feet of floor area per person in bedrooms accommodating two or more residents; otherwise not less than 60 square feet of floor area per person in bedrooms accommodating two or more persons shall be required;
3. For ceilings at least 7-1/2 feet in height;
4. For window areas as provided in this subdivision:
a. There shall be at least eight square feet of glazed window area in a room housing one person; and
b. There shall be at least six square feet of glazed window area per person in rooms occupied by two or more persons;
5. For occupancy as provided in this subdivision:
a. As of December 28, 2006, in all buildings approved for construction or change in use and occupancy classification, as referenced in the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (13VAC5-63), there shall be no more than two residents residing in a bedroom.
b. As of February 1, 2018, when there is a new facility licensee, there shall be no more than two residents residing in a bedroom.
c. Unless the provisions of subdivisions 5 a and 5 b of this section apply, there shall be no more than four residents residing in a bedroom;
6. For at least three feet of space between sides and ends of beds that are placed in the same room;
7. That no bedroom shall be used as a corridor to any other room;
8. That all beds shall be placed only in bedrooms; and
9. That household members and staff shall not share bedrooms with residents.
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.
22VAC40-73-910. Common rooms.
As of October 9, 2001, buildings approved for construction or change in use and occupancy classification, as referenced in the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (13VAC5-63), shall have a glazed window area above ground level in at least one of the common rooms (e.g., living room, multipurpose room, or dining room). The square footage of the glazed window area shall be at least 8.0% of the square footage of the floor area of the common room.
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.
22VAC40-73-920. Toilet, face/hand washing, and bathing facilities.
A. In determining the number of toilets, face/hand washing sinks, bathtubs, or showers required, the total number of persons residing on the premises shall be considered. Unless there are separate facilities for household members or staff, they shall be counted in determining the required number of fixtures, except that for bathtubs or showers, the staff count shall include only live-in staff.
1. As of December 28, 2006, in all buildings approved for construction or change in use and occupancy classification, as referenced in the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (13VAC5-63), on each floor where there are residents' bedrooms, there shall be:
a. At least one toilet for each four persons, or portion thereof;
b. At least one face/hand washing sink for each four persons, or portion thereof;
c. At least one bathtub or shower for each seven persons, or portion thereof; and
d. Toilets, face/hand washing sinks and bathtubs or showers in separate rooms for men and women where more than four persons live on a floor. Bathrooms equipped to accommodate more than one person at a time shall be labeled by gender. Gender designation of bathrooms shall remain constant during the course of a day.
2. Unless the provisions of subdivision 1 of this subsection apply, on each floor where there are residents' bedrooms, there shall be:
a. At least one toilet for each seven persons, or portion thereof;
b. At least one face/hand washing sink for each seven persons, or portion thereof;
c. At least one bathtub or shower for each 10 persons, or portion thereof; and
d. Toilets, face/hand washing sinks and bathtubs or showers in separate rooms for men and women where more than seven persons live on a floor. Bathrooms equipped to accommodate more than one person at a time shall be labeled by gender. Gender designation of bathrooms shall remain constant during the course of a day.
3. As of December 28, 2006, in all buildings approved for construction or change in use and occupancy classification, as referenced in the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, when residents' rooms are located on the same floor as the main living or dining area, in addition to the requirements of subdivision 1 of this subsection, there shall be at least one more toilet and face/hand washing sink, which is available for common use. The provisions of subdivision 4 c of this subsection shall also apply.
4. On floors used by residents where there are no residents' bedrooms, there shall be:
a. At least one toilet;
b. At least one face/hand washing sink; and
c. Toilets and face/hand washing sinks in separate rooms for men and women in facilities where there are 10 or more residents. Bathrooms equipped to accommodate more than one person at a time shall be designated by gender. Gender designation of bathrooms must remain constant during the course of a day.
B. Bathrooms shall provide for privacy for such activities as bathing, toileting, and dressing.
C. There shall be ventilation to the outside in order to eliminate foul odors.
D. The following sturdy safeguards shall be provided, with installation in compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code:
1. Handrails by bathtubs;
2. Grab bars by toilets; and
3. Handrails inside and stools available to stall showers.
Exception: These safeguards shall be optional for residents with independent living status.
E. Bathtubs and showers shall have nonskid surfacing or strips.
F. The face/hand washing sink shall be in the same room as the toilet or in an adjacent private area that is not part of a common use area of the assisted living facility.
G. The assisted living facility shall provide private or common use toilet, face/hand washing, and bathing facilities to meet the needs of each resident.
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.
22VAC40-73-925. Toilet, face/hand washing, and bathing supplies.
A. The facility shall have an adequate supply of toilet tissue and soap. Toilet tissue shall be accessible to each commode and soap shall be accessible to each face/hand washing sink and each bathtub or shower.
B. Common face/hand washing sinks shall have paper towels or an air dryer and liquid soap for hand washing.
C. Residents may not share bar soap.
D. The facility may not charge an additional amount for toilet paper, soap, paper towels, or use of an air dryer at common sinks and commodes.
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.
22VAC40-73-930. Provisions for signaling and call systems.
A. All assisted living facilities shall have a signaling device that is easily accessible to the resident in his bedroom or in a connecting bathroom that alerts the direct care staff that the resident needs assistance.
B. In buildings licensed to care for 20 or more residents under one roof, there shall be a signaling device that terminates at a central location that is continuously staffed and permits staff to determine the origin of the signal or is audible and visible in a manner that permits staff to determine the origin of the signal.
C. In buildings licensed to care for 19 or fewer residents under one roof, if the signaling device does not permit staff to determine the origin of the signal as specified in subsection B of this section, direct care staff shall make rounds at least once each hour to monitor for emergencies or other unanticipated resident needs. These rounds shall begin when the majority of the residents have gone to bed each evening and shall terminate when the majority of the residents have arisen each morning, and shall be documented as follows:
1. A written log shall be maintained showing the date and time rounds were made and the signature of the direct care staff member who made rounds.
2. Logs for the past two years shall be retained.
Exception: Rounds may be made on a different frequency if requested by the resident and agreed to by the facility. Any agreement for a different frequency must be in writing, specify the frequency, be signed and dated by the resident and the facility, and be retained in the resident's record. The written log required in subdivision 1 of the subsection shall indicate the name of such resident. If there is a change in the resident's condition or care needs, the agreement shall be reviewed and if necessary, the frequency of rounds shall be adjusted. If an adjustment is made, the former agreement shall be replaced with a new agreement or with compliance with the frequency specified in this subsection.
D. For each resident with an inability to use the signaling device, in addition to any other services, the following shall be met:
1. This inability shall be included in the resident's individualized service plan.
2. The plan shall specify a minimal frequency of daily rounds to be made by direct care staff to monitor for emergencies or other unanticipated resident needs.
3. Unless subsection C of this section is applicable, once the resident has gone to bed each evening until the resident has arisen each morning, at a minimum, direct care staff shall make rounds no less often than every two hours, except that rounds may be made on a different frequency if requested by the resident and agreed to by the facility. Any agreement for a different frequency must be in writing, specify the frequency, be signed and dated by the resident and the facility, and be retained in the resident's record. If there is a change in the resident's condition or care needs, the agreement shall be reviewed and if necessary, the frequency of rounds shall be adjusted. If an adjustment is made, the former agreement shall be replaced with a new agreement or with compliance with the frequency specified in this subdivision.
4. The facility shall document the rounds that were made, which shall include the name of the resident, the date and time of the rounds, and the staff member who made the rounds. The documentation shall be retained for two years.
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.
22VAC40-73-940. Fire safety: compliance with state regulations and local fire ordinances.
A. An assisted living facility shall comply with the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (13VAC5-51) as determined by at least an annual inspection by the appropriate fire official. Reports of the inspections shall be retained at the facility for at least two years.
B. An assisted living facility shall comply with any local fire ordinance.
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.