Section 212-RICR-10-00-1.23 - Community Residence; Additional Physical Environment RequirementsA. The interior and exterior of a community residence shall be kept free of litter, garbage and refuse.B. The exterior of a community residence shall be maintained and kept neat with regular yard work performed as appropriate to the season, including, but not limited to, mowing the lawn, raking the leaves, and snow removal.C. All measures necessary shall be taken to prevent the entry of and to eradicate the presence of rodents, flies, mosquitoes and other insects at community residences.D. All well water sources at a community residence shall be tested every three (3) years.E. Septic tanks or other private sewage disposal systems at community residences shall be in good working order.F. The water temperature shall not exceed one hundred and twenty (120) degrees Fahrenheit.G. All heating and cooling devices in a community residence shall be installed in accordance with current building codes and maintained in good working order.H. Handrails shall be provided on all stairways in a community residence in accordance with any and all federal and state statutes and regulations.I. All furniture shall be clean and in good repair.J. Bedroom furniture shall be provided in a community residence for each individual and shall include: 1. A bed, including a frame unless otherwise documented by a clinical team decision, a clean comfortable mattress, a waterproof mattress cover, if the individual is incontinent, and a pillow;2. A private dresser or similar storage area for personal belongings that is readily accessible to the individual;3. A closet or similar storage area for clothing that is readily accessible to the individual;4. Individuals have the freedom to furnish sleeping or living units within the lease or other agreements;5. Sufficient supply of personal linens.K. Providers will take all possible steps to ensure privacy is maintained.L. Swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, or spas located on the premises of a community residence shall be equipped with safety barriers and devices designed to prevent injury and unsupervised access and shall be clean, sanitary, and maintained in good working order.M. Sanitation for household pets and other domestic animals shall be adequate to prevent health hazards. Proof of current vaccinations that are required for the pet by a licensed veterinarian shall be maintained on the premises. Pets not confined in enclosures shall be under control and shall not present a danger or health risk to individuals or their guests.N. Operative flashlights, at least one (1) per floor, shall be readily available to staff in case of emergency within each community residence.O. Sleeping or living units must have entrance doors lockable by the resident with only appropriate staff having keys to doors. In the case of BHOs, refer to program specific guidelines in cases when this regulation is not applicable by an overriding federal or state statute or regulation.212 R.I. Code R. 212-RICR-10-00-1.23
Adopted effective 1/7/2019