Part III. Physical Environment
6VAC35-71-280. Buildings and inspections.
A. All newly constructed buildings, major renovations to buildings, and temporary structures shall be inspected and approved by the appropriate building officials. There shall be a valid, current certificate of occupancy available at each JCC.
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, the facility shall maintain documentation of its request to schedule the annual inspection, as well as documentation of any necessary follow-up. For this subsection, the definition of annual shall be defined by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, State Fire Marshal's Office.
C. The facility shall maintain a current copy of its compliance with annual inspection and approval by an independent, outside source in accordance with state and local inspection laws, regulations, and ordinances, of the following:
1. General sanitation;
2. The sewage disposal system, if applicable;
3. The water supply, if applicable;
4. Food service operations; and
5. Swimming pools, if applicable.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-25.1 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-71-290. 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 superintendent.
1. The facility shall maintain a listing of all safety, emergency, and communications equipment and systems and the schedule established for inspections and testing.
2. 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, immediate steps 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 66-25.1 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-71-300. Alternate power source.
Each JCC shall have access to an alternate power source to maintain essential services in an emergency.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-25.1 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-71-310. Heating and cooling systems and ventilation.
A. Heat shall be distributed in all rooms occupied by the residents so 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 66-25.1 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-71-320. Lighting.
A. Sleeping and activity areas 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. Night lighting shall be sufficient to observe residents.
D. Operable flashlights or battery-powered lanterns shall be accessible to each direct care staff on duty.
E. Outside entrances and parking areas shall be lighted.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-25.1 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-71-330. 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. Hot water temperatures should be maintained at 100°F to 120°F.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-25.1 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-71-340. Drinking water.
A. In all JCCs constructed after January 1, 1998, all sleeping areas shall have fresh drinking water for residents' use.
B. All activity areas shall have potable drinking water available for residents' use.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-25.1 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-71-350. Toilet facilities.
A. There shall be toilet facilities available for resident use in all sleeping areas for each JCC constructed after January 1, 1998.
B. There shall be at least one toilet, one hand basin, and one shower or tub for every eight residents for facilities certified on or before December 27, 2007. There shall be one toilet, one hand basin, and one shower or tub for every four residents in any building constructed or structurally modified on or after December 28, 2007.
C. There shall be at least one bathtub in each facility.
D. The maximum number of employees 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.
Statutory Authority
§§ 66-10 and 66-13 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014; amended, Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 8, eff. January 30, 2016.
6VAC35-71-360. Sleeping areas.
A. Male and female residents shall have separate sleeping areas.
B. Beds in all facilities or sleeping areas established, constructed, or structurally modified after July 1, 1981, shall be at least three feet apart at the head, foot, and sides; and double-decker beds in such facilities shall be at least five feet apart at the head, foot, and sides. Facilities or sleeping areas established, constructed, or structurally modified before July 1, 1981, shall have a bed placement plan approved by the director or designee.
C. 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).
D. Sleeping quarters 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.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-25.1 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-71-370. Furnishings.
All furnishings and equipment shall be safe, clean, and suitable to the ages and for the number of residents.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-25.1 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-71-380. Disposal of garbage and waste.
Provision shall be made for the collection and legal disposal of all garbage and waste materials.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-25.1 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-71-390. Hazardous materials and chemicals.
A. Each facility shall have a hazard communication plan that (i) governs the evaluation of the potential hazards of chemicals used at the facility and (ii) requires the communication of information to employees concerning hazards and appropriate protective measures.
B. All flammable, toxic, medical, and caustic materials within the JCC 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 66-25.1 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-71-400. Smoking prohibition.
Residents shall be prohibited from using, possessing, purchasing, or distributing any tobacco products. Tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco, such as chewing tobacco or snuff, shall not be used by staff or visitors in any areas of the facility or its premises where residents may see or smell the tobacco product.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-25.1 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-71-410. Space utilization.
A. Each JCC shall provide for the following:
1. An indoor recreation area with appropriate recreation materials;
2. An outdoor recreation area;
3. Kitchen facilities and equipment for the preparation and service of meals;
4. A dining area equipped with tables and seating;
5. Space and equipment for laundry, if laundry is done on site;
6. Space for the storage of items such as first aid equipment, household supplies, recreational equipment, and other materials;
7. A designated visiting area that permits informal communication between residents and visitors, including opportunity for physical contact in accordance with written procedures;
8. Space for administrative activities including, as appropriate to the program, confidential conversations and the storage of records and materials; and
9. A central medical room with medical examination facilities equipped in consultation with the health authority.
B. If a school program is operated at the facility, school classrooms shall be designed in consultation with appropriate education authorities to comply with applicable state and local requirements.
C. Spaces or areas may be interchangeably utilized but shall be in functional condition for the designated purpose.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-25.1 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-71-420. Kitchen operation and safety.
A. Each facility shall have a food service operation maintenance plan that addresses the following: (i) food sanitation and safety procedures; (ii) the inspection of all food service, preparation, and dining areas and equipment; (iii) a requirement for sanitary and temperature-controlled storage facilities for food; and (iv) the monitoring of refrigerator and water temperatures.
B. The facility shall follow procedures governing access to all areas where food or utensils are stored and the inventory and control of culinary equipment to which residents reasonably may be expected to have access.
C. Walk-in refrigerators and freezers shall be equipped to permit emergency exits.
D. Bleach or another sanitizing agent approved by the federal Environmental Protection Agency to destroy bacteria shall be used in laundering table and kitchen linens.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-25.1 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-71-430. 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. Each facility shall have a written plan to control pests and vermin. Buildings shall be kept reasonably free of flies, roaches, rats, and other vermin. Any condition conducive to harboring or breeding insects, rodents, or other vermin shall be eliminated immediately. Each facility shall document efforts to eliminate such conditions, as applicable.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-25.1 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-71-440. 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 66-25.1 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.