21 key concepts from Title 22, Division 6, Chapter 8, Article 5: Physical Environment, for the RCFE Administrator exam. For the searchable, bookmarkable version, use the interactive Study Guide.
(a) The facility shall be clean, safe, sanitary and in good repair at all times. Maintenance shall include provision of maintenance services and procedures for the safety and well-being of residents, employees and visitors.Part 1, Page 73
(1) Floor surfaces in bath, laundry and kitchen areas shall be maintained in a clean, sanitary, and odorless condition.Part 1, Page 73
(b) A comfortable temperature for residents shall be maintained at all times.Part 1, Page 73
(1) The facility shall heat rooms that residents occupy to a minimum of 68 degree F, (20 degrees C).Part 1, Page 73
(2) The facility shall cool rooms to a comfortable range, between 78 degrees F (26 degrees C) and 85 degrees F (30 degrees C), or in areas of extreme heat to 30 degrees F less than the outside temperature.Part 1, Page 73
(3) Nothing in this section shall prohibit residents from adjusting individual thermostatic controls.Part 1, Page 73
(c) All window screens shall be clean and maintained in good repair.Part 1, Page 73
(d) There shall be lamps or light appropriate for the use of each room and sufficient to ensure the comfort and safety of all persons in the facility.Part 1, Page 73
(e) Water supplies and plumbing fixtures shall be maintained as follows:Part 1, Page 73
(1) All residential care facilities for the elderly where water for human consumption is from a private source shall:Part 1, Page 73
(A) As a condition of initial licensure, provide evidence of an on-site inspection of the source of the water and a bacteriological analysis by a local or state health department or other qualified public or private laboratory which establishes the safety of the water.Part 1, Page 73
| Licensed Capacity | Testing Schedule |
|---|---|
| Under 6 | Initial test, then only if there's reason to suspect a problem |
| 7-15 | Initial test, then annually |
| 16-24 | Initial test, then every 6 months |
| 25+ | Follow county health department rules (Safe Drinking Water Act) |
(B) Following licensure, provide a bacteriological analysis of the private water supply as frequently as is necessary to assure the safety of the residents, but no less frequently than the time intervals shown in the table below. However, facilities licensed for six or fewer residents shall be required to have a bacteriological analysis subsequent to initial licensure only if evidence supports the need for such an analysis to protect residents.Part 1, Page 73
Under 6 -- Initial Licensing -- Upon evidence of need / 7 through 15 -- Initial Licensing -- Annually / 16 through 24 -- Initial Licensing -- Every six months / 25 or more -- Refer to the county health department for compliance with the California Safe Drinking Water Act, Health and Safety Code, Division 5, Part 1, Chapter 7, Water and Water Systems.Part 1, Page 74
(2) Faucets used by residents for personal care such as shaving and grooming shall deliver hot water. Hot water temperature controls shall be maintained to automatically regulate the temperature of hot water used by residents to attain a temperature of not less than 105 degree F (41 degree C) and not more than 120 degree F (49 degree C).Part 1, Page 74
(3) Taps delivering water at 125 degree F (52 degree C) or above shall be prominently identified by warning signs.Part 1, Page 74
(4) Grab bars shall be maintained for each toilet; bathtub and shower used by residents.Part 1, Page 74
(5) Slip-resistant mats, strips, or flooring shall be used in all bathtub and shower floors. (A) All slip-resistant mats, strips, or flooring shall be in good repair and maintain slip-resistant properties.Part 1, Page 74
(6) Toilet, handwashing and bathing facilities shall be maintained in operating condition. Additional equipment shall be provided in facilities accommodating physically handicapped and/or nonambulatory residents, based on the residents' needs.Part 1, Page 74
(f) All waste shall be located, stored, and disposed of in a manner that will not transmit communicable diseases or odors, pose a risk to health and safety, or provide a breeding place or food source for insects or rodents.Part 1, Page 74
(1) All containers storing waste shall be in good repair, free of leaks, and emptied in a timely manner.Part 1, Page 74
(2) Syringes and needles are disposed of in accordance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 5193 concerning blood borne pathogens.Part 1, Page 74
(3) All outdoor containers, such as garbage receptacles or dumpsters, shall provide suitable access and drainage to allow complete cleaning at the storage area.Part 1, Page 75
(g) Facilities which have machines and do their own laundry shall: (1) Have adequate supplies available and equipment maintained in good repair. Space used to sort soiled linen shall be separate from the clean linen storage and handling area. Except for facilities licensed for fifteen (15) residents or less, the space used to do laundry shall not be part of an area used for storage of anything other than clean linens and/or other supplies normally associated with laundry activities. Steam, odors, lint and objectionable laundry noises shall not reach resident or employee areas.Part 1, Page 75
(2) Make at least one machine available for use by residents who are able and who desire to do their own personal laundry. This machine shall be maintained in good repair. Equipment in good repair shall be provided to residents who are capable and desire to iron their own clothes.Part 1, Page 75
(h) Emergency lighting shall be maintained. At a minimum this shall include flashlights, or other battery powered lighting, readily available in appropriate areas accessible to residents and staff. Open-flame lights shall not be used.Part 1, Page 76
(i) Facilities shall have signal systems which shall meet the following criteria: (1) All facilities licensed for 16 or more and all residential facilities having separate floors or buildings shall have a signal system which shall: (A) Operate from each resident's living unit. (B) Transmit a visual and/or auditory signal to a central staffed location or produce an auditory signal at the living unit loud enough to summon staff. (C) Identify the specific resident living unit.Part 1, Page 76
(2) Facilities having more than one wing, floor or building shall be permitted to have a separate system in each, provided each meets the above criteria.Part 1, Page 76
(a) Prior to construction or alterations, all facilities shall obtain a building permit.Part 1, Page 76
(b) The licensing agency may require the facility to acquire a local building inspection where the agency determines that a suspected hazard to health and safety exists.Part 1, Page 76
(a) Living accommodations and grounds shall be related to the facility's function. The facility shall be large enough to provide comfortable living accommodations and privacy for the residents, staff, and others who may reside in the facility. The following provisions shall apply:Part 1, Page 77
(1) There shall be common rooms such as living rooms, dining rooms, dens or other recreation/activity rooms. They shall be of sufficient space and/or separation to promote and facilitate the program of activities and to prevent such activities from interfering with other functions.Part 1, Page 77
(2) Resident bedrooms shall be provided which meet, at a minimum, the following requirements: (A) Bedrooms shall be large enough to allow for easy passage between and comfortable usage of beds and other required items of furniture specified below, and any resident assistant devices such as wheelchairs or walkers. (B) No room commonly used for other purposes shall be used as a sleeping room for any resident. This includes any hall, stairway, unfinished attic, garage storage area, shed or similar detached building. (C) No bedroom of a resident shall be used as a passageway to another room, bath or toilet. (D) Not more than two residents shall sleep in a bedroom.Part 1, Page 77
(3) Equipment and supplies necessary for personal care and maintenance of adequate hygiene practice shall be readily available to each resident. The resident may provide the following items; however, if the resident is unable or chooses not to provide them, the licensee shall assure provision of: (A) A bed for each resident, except that married couples may be provided with one appropriate sized bed. Each bed shall be equipped with good springs, a clean and comfortable mattress, available pillow(s) and lightweight warm bedding. Fillings and covers for mattresses and pillows shall be flame retardant. Rubber sheeting shall be provided when necessary.Part 1, Page 77
(B) Bedroom furniture, which shall include, for each resident, a chair, night stand, a lamp, or lights sufficient for reading, and a chest of drawers.Part 1, Page 77
(C) Clean linen, including blankets, bedspreads, top bed sheets, bottom bed sheets, pillow cases, mattress pads, bath towels, hand towels and wash cloths. The quantity shall be sufficient to permit changing at least once per week or more often when indicated to ensure that clean linen is in use by residents at all times. The linen shall be in good repair. The use of common wash cloths and towels shall be prohibited.Part 1, Page 77
(D) Hygiene items of general use such as soap and toilet paper.Part 1, Page 78
(E) Portable or permanent closets and drawer space in the bedrooms for clothing and personal belongings. A minimum of eight (8) cubic feet (.743 cubic meters) of drawer space per resident shall be provided.Part 1, Page 78
(F) Basic laundry service (washing, drying, and ironing of personal clothing).Part 1, Page 78
(b) Toilets and bathrooms shall be conveniently located. The licensed capacity shall be established based on Section 87158, Capacity, and the following: (1) At least one toilet and washbasin for each six (6) persons, which include residents, family and personnel. (2) At least one bathtub or shower for each ten (10) persons, which includes residents, family and live-in personnel.Part 1, Page 78
(c) Individual privacy shall be provided in all toilet, bath and shower areas.Part 1, Page 78
(d) The following space and safety provisions shall apply to all facilities: (1) Sufficient room shall be available to accommodate persons served in comfort and safety. (2) The premises shall be maintained in a state of good repair and shall provide a safe and healthful environment.Part 1, Page 78
(3) All persons shall be protected against hazards within the facility through provision of the following: (A) Protective devices such as nonslip material on rugs. (B) Information and instruction regarding life protection and other appropriate subjects.Part 1, Page 78
(4) Stairways, inclines, ramps and open porches and areas of potential hazard to residents with poor balance or eyesight shall be made inaccessible to residents unless equipped with sturdy hand railings and unless well-lighted.Part 1, Page 78
(5) Night lights shall be maintained in hallways and passages to nonprivate bathrooms.Part 1, Page 78
(6) All outdoor and indoor passageways and stairways shall be kept free of obstruction.Part 1, Page 78
(e) The licensee shall supervise residents as needed and as determined by the resident's appraisal pursuant to Section 87457, Pre-Admission Appraisal or Section 87463, Reappraisals, when residents are in proximity to or when there is use of the following items: (1) Ranges, ovens, heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, inserts, and other heating devices. (A) Heating devices shall have protective mechanisms or other measures to prevent access to the device, or to make it inoperable when not in use, in order to reduce the risk of burns or fire.Part 1, Page 79
(2) Fishponds, wading pools, hot tubs, swimming pools, or similar larger bodies of water. (A) The licensee shall ensure that the bodies of water specified above are inaccessible through fencing, covering, or other means when not in active use by residents.Part 1, Page 79
(f) The licensee shall supervise residents as needed and as determined by the resident's appraisal, pursuant to Section 87457, Pre-Admission Appraisal or Section 87463, Reappraisals, when residents are in proximity to birdbaths, fountains, or similar smaller decorative water features.Part 1, Page 79
(b) Administrative offices or area shall be maintained in facilities having a capacity of sixteen (16) persons or more, which includes space for business, administration and admission activities, a reception area and restroom facilities which may be used by visitors. Appropriate equipment shall be available, including a telephone. A private office shall be maintained for the administrator or other professional staff as appropriate.Part 1, Page 79
(a) Except as specified in subsection (b), the licensee shall ensure that disinfectants, cleaning solutions, poisonous substances, knives, matches, tools, sharp objects, and other similar items which could pose a danger to residents are in locked storage and are not left unattended if outside the locked storage. (1) Disinfectants, cleaning solutions, and poisonous substances shall be stored in areas separate from food supplies as specified in Section 87555, General Food Service Requirements. (2) Any items in subsection (a)(1) that are transferred from their original container to another container shall have a legible label that indicates: (A) Name of product on the original container, and (B) Any product warnings indicated on the original label.Part 1, Page 80
(b) Residents may have access to items specified in subsection (a) for personal use unless there is documentation, as specified in Section 87457, Pre-Admission Appraisal or Section 87463, Reappraisals, that indicates the resident's or other residents' safety would be at risk if allowed access. (1) The licensee shall implement reasonable interventions in order to ensure that access to the items specified in subsection (a) does not pose a hazard to other residents.Part 1, Page 80
(c) Except as specified in subsection (d), the licensee shall implement reasonable interventions in order to ensure that nutritional supplements, vitamins, alcohol, cigarettes and other potentially toxic substances, such as certain plants, gardening supplies, and auto supplies, are stored so as not to pose a hazard to residents.Part 1, Page 80
(d) Residents may have access to items specified in subsection (c) for personal use unless there is documentation as specified in Section 87457, Pre-Admission Appraisal or Section 87463, Reappraisals, that indicates the resident's or other residents' safety would be at risk if allowed access. (1) The licensee shall implement reasonable interventions in order to ensure that access to the items specified in subsection (c) does not pose a hazard to other residents.Part 1, Page 80
(e) Medications that are centrally stored shall be stored as specified in Section 87465, Incidental Medical and Dental Care Services.Part 1, Page 80
(f) Due to the physical arrangements in the facility, or the condition or the habits of other residents in the facility, or both, the licensee may require the items specified in subsections (a) and (c) to be centrally stored so as not to pose a safety hazard to others.Part 1, Page 80
All facilities shall have telephone service on the premises. Facilities with a capacity of sixteen (16) or more persons shall be listed in the telephone directory under the name of the facility.Part 1, Page 80.1
Only drivers licensed for the type of vehicle operated shall be permitted to transport residents. The rated seating capacity of the vehicles shall not be exceeded. Any vehicle used by the facility to transport residents shall be maintained in a safe operating condition.Part 1, Page 80.1
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