Ala. Admin. Code r. 420-5-7-.07

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 420-5-7-.07 - Physical Environment

(1) A hospital shall be constructed, arranged, and maintained to ensure the safety of the patient, and to provide facilities for diagnosis and treatment and for special hospital services appropriate to the needs of the community.

(2) Buildings and grounds shall be developed and maintained in such a manner that the safety and well-being of building occupants are assured.

(a) Emergency power and lighting are required in at least the operating, recovery, intensive care, and emergency rooms, and stairwells. In all other areas not serviced by the emergency power source, battery lamps and flashlights shall be available.

(b) Emergency gas and water supplies are required.

(3) Life Safety from Fire.

(a) A hospital is classified as Health Care Occupancy and shall comply with the codes and standards adopted by the Board. Facilities or portions of facilities built under the currently adopted codes shall comply with the requirements for New Health Care Occupancies in the currently adopted NationalFire Protection Association 101, Life Safety Code. Facilities or portions of facilities built under previously adopted editions of the codes shall comply with the requirements for Existing Health Care Occupancies in the currently adopted Life Safety Code.

(b) The hospital shall have procedures for the proper routine storage and prompt disposal of trash.

(c) The hospital shall have written fire control plans containing provisions for prompt reporting of fires; extinguishing fires; protection of patients, personnel and guests; evacuation; and cooperation with fire fighting authorities. Written fire control plans shall also meet the requirements of the currently adopted Life Safety Code for fire drills, evacuation and relocation, and procedures during fire emergencies. Fires shall be reported to the Department's Technical Services Unit within 24 hours of the occurrence.

(d) The hospital shall maintain written evidence of regular inspection and approval by state or local fire control agencies.

(e) Roller latches are prohibited on doors separating corridors from adjacent spaces.

(f) Emergency lighting shall provide illumination in accordance with the currently adopted Life Safety Code for at least 90 minutes.

(g) Alcohol-based hand rub dispensers shall be installed in a manner that:

1. Minimizes leaks and spills.

2. Adequately protects against inappropriate access.

3. Complies with the requirements of the Life SafetyCode.

(4) Facilities. The hospital shall maintain adequate facilities for its services.

(a) Diagnostic and therapeutic facilities shall be located for the safety of patients.

(b) Facilities, supplies, and equipment shall be maintained to ensure an acceptable level of safety and quality.

(c) The extent and complexity of facilities shall be determined by the services offered.

(d) There shall be proper ventilation, light, and temperature controls in pharmaceutical, food preparation, and other appropriate areas.

(5) Submission of Plans and Specifications.

(a) New Facilities, Additions, and Alterations. Plans and specifications shall be submitted for review and approval to the Department in accordance with the Board's Rules for Submission of Plans and Specifications for Health Care Facilities, Chapter 420-5-22, Ala. Admin. Code. This is required for any building that is intended to contain a hospital, and for additions and alterations to existing facilities.

(b) Minor alterations and remodeling which do not affect the structural integrity of the building, which do not alter functional operation, which do not affect fire safety, and which do not add beds over those for which the facility is licensed, need not be submitted for approval.

(6) Inspections. The Board and its authorized representatives shall have access to all facilities for inspection.

(7) Remodeling.

(a) The remodeled area of existing facilities shall be upgraded to comply with the current requirements for new construction.

(b) Any remodeling to existing facilities shall not diminish the level of safety which existed prior to the start of the work.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 420-5-7-.07

Filed September 1, 1982. Amended: Filed August 22, 1990. Repealed and New Rule: Filed November 18, 1994; effective December 23, 1994. Amended: Filed February 20, 1997; effective March 27, 1997. Amended: Filed December 16, 1999; effective January 20, 2000. Amended: Filed June 18, 2002; effective July 23, 2002. Amended: Filed June 23, 2004; effective July 28, 2004. Repealed and New Rule: Filed August 24, 2012; effective September 28, 2012.

Rule .05 was renumbered to .07 as per certification filed August 24, 2012; effective September 28, 2012.

Author: W.T. Geary, Jr., M.D., Carter Sims

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 22-21-20, et seq.