Statutes, codes, and regulations
Maine Administrative Code
Department 10 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICESDivision 144 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - GENERALChapter 118 - REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE LICENSING AND FUNCTIONING OF INTERMEDIATE CARE FACILITIES FOR PERSONS WITH MENTAL RETARDATION
Chapter 11 - CLIENT LIVING ENVIRONMENT
Section 144-118-11.I - Utilities

10- 144 C.M.R. ch. 118, § 11.I

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Current through 2024-51, December 18, 2024
Section 144-118-11.I - Utilities

09/01/07 11.I.1. Water Supply

a. Each facility shall use an approved public or municipal water supply if one is available.
b. In areas where an approved public or municipal water supply is not available, a private water supply under pressure must be provided for each facility and it shall meet the standards approved by the Division of Health Engineering in the Department. If water is used from a private supply, water samples must be submitted to the Division of Health Engineering at least once every six (6) months.
c. There must be sufficient water pressure to meet the sanitary needs of each facility at all times.
d. There must be an adequate supply of hot water for clients' use at all times.
e. All plumbing must comply with the standards set by the State of Maine Plumbing Code, including any amendments thereof or additions thereto, as well as with any higher standards set by local ordinances.
11. I. 2. Sewage Disposal
a. Each facility shall dispose of all sewage and liquid wastes in a public sewerage system, if one is available.
b. If a public sewerage system is not available, sewerage and liquid wastes must be collected and disposed of in private disposal facilities, the construction, maintenance, and operation of which must be approved by the Division of Health Engineering of the Department.
c. Plans for any proposed disposal system and/or additions thereto must be reviewed and approved by the Division of Health Engineering in the Department before construction is started.
11. I. 3. Lighting
a. Each facility shall provide all entrances, hallways, stairways, cellars, attics, storerooms, kitchens, laundries, and service units with sufficient lighting, natural or artificial, for these areas to be functional at any hour of the day.
b. Natural or artificial lighting must be provided for various areas as follows:

Minimum Foot Candles

Entrances, exits, hallways, stairways, ramps 10

Storerooms 10

Bedrooms - general.........................................10

Reading or sewing............................................30

Bathrooms, lavatories.......................................10

Dining Room......................................................20

Living Room - general.......................................20

Living Room - reading or sewing......................30

Kitchen, Laundry, Utility Room..........................20

General office....................................................20

Desks and Charts..............................................30

Medication Cabinet............................................30

c. The use of candles, courtesy oil lanterns and other open flame methods of illumination is prohibited.
d. An emergency source of electrical power must be provided to maintain operation of lights in all means of egress; for equipment to maintain fire detection, alarm and extinguishing systems; and life support systems. Such emergency electrical service may be battery operated if the battery is sufficiently charged to provide adequate power for four (4) or more hours.

10- 144 C.M.R. ch. 118, § 11.I