Part III. Physical Environment
Article 6
Records
6VAC35-41-350. Buildings and inspections.
A. All newly constructed buildings, major renovations to buildings, and temporary structures shall be inspected and approved by the local building official. Approval shall be documented by a certificate of occupancy.
B. A current copy of the facility's annual inspection by fire prevention authorities indicating that all buildings and equipment are maintained in accordance with the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (13VAC5-51) shall be maintained. If the fire prevention authorities have failed to timely inspect the facility's buildings and equipment, documentation of the facility's request to schedule the annual inspection as well as documentation of any necessary follow-up with fire prevention authorities shall be maintained.
C. The facility shall maintain a current copy of its annual inspection and approval, in accordance with state and local inspection laws, regulations, and ordinances, of the following:
1. General sanitation;
2. Sewage disposal system;
3. Water supply;
4. Food service operations; and
5. Swimming pools, if applicable.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-24 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-41-360. Equipment and systems inspections and maintenance.
A. All safety, emergency, and communications equipment and systems shall be inspected, tested, and maintained by designated staff in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations or instruction manuals or, absent such requirements, in accordance with a schedule that is approved by the facility administrator. Testing of such equipment and systems shall, at a minimum, be conducted quarterly.
B. Whenever safety, emergency, and communications equipment or a system is found to be defective, corrective action shall be taken to rectify the situation and to repair, remove, or replace the defective equipment.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-24 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-41-370. Heating and cooling systems and ventilation.
A. Heat shall be distributed in all rooms occupied by the residents such that a temperature no less than 68°F is maintained, unless otherwise mandated by state or federal authorities.
B. Air conditioning or mechanical ventilating systems, such as electric fans, shall be provided in all rooms occupied by residents when the temperature in those rooms exceeds 80°F.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-24 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-41-380. Lighting.
A. Sleeping and activity areas in the facility shall provide natural lighting.
B. All areas within buildings shall be lighted for safety and the lighting shall be sufficient for the activities being performed.
C. There shall be night lighting sufficient to observe residents.
D. Each facility shall have a plan for providing alternative lighting in case of emergencies.
E. Outside entrances and parking areas shall be lighted.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-24 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-41-390. Plumbing and water supply; temperature.
A. Plumbing shall be maintained in operational condition, as designed.
B. An adequate supply of hot and cold running water shall be available at all times.
C. Precautions shall be taken to prevent scalding from running water. Water temperatures should be maintained at 100°F to 120°F.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-24 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-41-400. Toilet facilities.
A. There shall be at least one bathtub or bathtub alternative in each facility.
B. There shall be at least one toilet, one hand basin, and one shower or tub for every eight residents for facilities certified before July 1, 1981.
C. There shall be one toilet, one hand basin, and one shower or tub for every four residents in any building constructed or structurally modified after July 1, 1981. Facilities certified after December 28, 2007, shall comply with the one-to-four ratio.
D. The maximum number of staff members on duty in the living unit shall be counted in determining the required number of toilets and hand basins when a separate bathroom is not provided for staff.
E. There shall be at least one mirror securely fastened to the wall at a height appropriate for use in each room where hand basins are located.
F. When bathrooms are not designated for individual use:
1. Each toilet shall be enclosed for privacy, and
2. Bathtubs and showers shall provide visual privacy for bathing by use of enclosures, curtains, or other appropriate means.
G. Windows in bathrooms and dressing areas shall provide for privacy.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-24 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-41-410. Sleeping areas.
A. Males and females shall have separate sleeping areas.
B. No more than four residents shall share a bedroom or sleeping area.
C. Beds shall be at least three feet apart at the head, foot, and sides; and double-decker beds shall be at least five feet apart at the head, foot, and sides.
D. Sleeping quarters in facilities established, constructed, or structurally modified after July 1, 1981, shall have:
1. At least 80 square feet of floor area in a bedroom accommodating one person;
2. At least 60 square feet of floor area per person in rooms accommodating two or more persons; and
3. Ceilings with a primary height at least 7-1/2 feet in height exclusive of protrusions, duct work, or dormers.
E. Mattresses shall be fire retardant as evidenced by documentation from the manufacturer except in buildings equipped with an automated sprinkler system as required by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (13VAC5-63).
F. Each resident shall be assigned drawer space and closet space, or their equivalent, that is accessible to the sleeping area for storage of clothing and personal belongings.
G. Windows in sleeping areas and dressing areas shall provide for privacy.
H. Every sleeping area shall have a door that may be closed for privacy or quiet and this door shall be readily opened in case of fire or other emergency.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-24 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-41-420. Furnishings.
All furnishings and equipment shall be safe, clean, and suitable to the ages and number of residents.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-24 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-41-430. Disposal of garbage and management of hazardous materials.
A. Provision shall be made for the collection and legal disposal of all garbage and waste materials.
B. All flammable, toxic, medical, and caustic materials within the facility shall be stored, used, and disposed of in appropriate receptacles and in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-24 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-41-440. Smoking prohibitions.
Smoking shall be prohibited in living areas and in areas where residents participate in programs.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-24 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-41-450. Space utilization.
A. Each facility shall provide for the following:
1. A living room;
2. An indoor recreation area with appropriate recreation materials;
3. An outdoor recreation area;
4. A dining area, where meals are served, that is equipped with tables and benches or chairs;
5. A visitation area that permits informal communication between residents and visitors, including the opportunity for physical contact in accordance with written procedures;
6. Kitchen facilities and equipment for the preparation and service of meals with any walk-in refrigerators or freezers equipped to permit emergency exits;
7. Space and equipment for laundry, if laundry is done at the facility;
8. Space for the storage of items such as first aid equipment, household supplies, recreational equipment, luggage, out-of-season clothing, and other materials; and
9. Space for administrative activities including, as appropriate to the program, confidential conversations and the storage of records and materials.
B. Spaces or areas may be interchangeably utilized but shall be in functional condition for the designated purposes.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-24 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-41-460. Maintenance of the buildings and grounds.
A. The interior and exterior of all buildings and grounds shall be safe, maintained, and reasonably free of clutter and rubbish. This includes, but is not limited to, (i) required locks, mechanical devices, indoor and outdoor equipment, and furnishings; and (ii) all areas where residents, staff, and visitors may reasonably be expected to have access.
B. All buildings shall be reasonably free of stale, musty, or foul odors.
C. Buildings shall be kept reasonably free of flies, roaches, rats, and other vermin.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-24 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-41-470. Animals on the premises.
A. Animals maintained on the premises shall be housed at a reasonable distance from sleeping, living, eating, and food preparation areas, as well as a safe distance from water supplies.
B. Animals maintained on the premises shall be tested, inoculated, and licensed as required by law.
C. The premises shall be kept reasonably free of stray domestic animals.
D. Pets shall be provided with clean sleeping areas and adequate food and water.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-24 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.