La. Admin. Code tit. 67 § V-6969

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024

Section V-6969 - Emergency and Safety

A. Emergency and Safety Plan

1. A provider should have a plan for emergency and safety procedures.

2. The plan should provide for the evacuation of clients to safe or sheltered areas.

3. The plan should include provisions for training of staff and, as appropriate, clients in preventing, reporting and responding to fires and other emergencies.

4. The plan should provide means for an ongoing safety program including continuous inspection of the provider for possible hazards, continuous monitoring of safety equipment and investigation of all accidents or emergencies.

B. Emergency Drills

1. A provider shall conduct emergency drills at least once every three months and at varying times of the day.

2. A provider shall make every effort to ensure that staff and clients recognize the nature and importance of such drills.

C. Access to Emergency Services

1. A provider shall have access to 24-hour telephone service.

2. The provider shall either have posted telephone numbers of emergency services, including fire department, police, medical services, poison control and ambulance, or be able to show evidence of an alternate means of immediate access to these services.

D. General Safety Practices

1. A provider shall not maintain any firearm or chemical weapon in the living units of the facility.

2. A provider shall ensure that all poisonous, toxic and flammable materials are safely stored in appropriate containers labeled as to contents. Such materials shall be maintained only as necessary and shall be used in such a manner as to ensure the safety of clients, staff and visitors.

3. A provider should ensure that an appropriately equipped first-aid kit is available in the provider's building.

4. Every required exit, exit access and exit discharge in a provider's building shall be continuously maintained free of all obstructions or impediments to immediate use in the case of fire or other emergency.

5. A provider shall prohibit the use of candles in sleeping areas of the clients.

6. Power-driven equipment used by a provider shall be kept in safe and good repair. Such equipment shall be used by clients only under the direct supervision of a staff member and according to state law.

7. A provider shall have procedures to prevent insect and rodent infestation.

E. Transportation

1. The provider shall ensure that each client is provided with the transportation necessary for implementing the client's service plan.

2. The provider shall have means of transporting clients in case of emergency.

3. Any vehicle used in transporting clients in care of the provider, whether such vehicle is operated by a staff member of any other person acting on behalf of the provider, shall be properly licensed and inspected in accordance with state law.

4. The provider shall not allow the number of persons in any vehicle used to transport clients to exceed the number of available seats in the vehicle.

5. All vehicles used for the transportation of clients shall be maintained in a safe condition and be in conformity with all applicable motor vehicle laws.

6. Identification of vehicles used to transport clients in care of a provider shall not be of such nature to embarrass or in any way produce notoriety for clients.

7. The provider shall ascertain the nature of any need or problem of a client which might cause difficulties during transportation, such as seizures, a tendency towards motion sickness or a disability. The provider shall communicate such information to the operator of any vehicle transporting clients in care.

8. The following additional arrangements are required in all vehicles except automobiles for a provider serving handicapped, non-ambulatory clients.

a. A ramp device to permit entry and exit of a client from the vehicle must be provided for all vehicles that are normally used to transport physically handicapped clients. A mechanical lift may be utilized, provided that a ramp is also available in case of emergency.

b. Wheelchairs used in transit shall be securely fastened to the vehicle.

c. The arrangement of the wheelchairs shall provide an adequate aisle space and shall not impede access to the exit door of the vehicle.

La. Admin. Code tit. 67, § V-6969

Promulgated by the Department of Social Services, Office of the Secretary, Bureau of Licensing, LR 27:1579 (September 2001), repromulgated by the Department of Social Services, Office of the Secretary, Bureau of Residential Licensing, LR 33:2754 (December 2007), repromulgated by the Department of Social Services, Office of Community Services, LR 35: 1632 (August 2009).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 36:477 and R.S. 46:1410 et seq.

This Section has been moved from LAC 67:I.1969.