<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".41" citation="COMAR 10.07.02.41" title_num="10" subtitle_num="07" chapter_num="02" heading="Physical Plant — New and Existing Construction Requirements.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Construction of a New Nursing Home.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A new nursing home shall be constructed, equipped, and maintained to protect the health and safety of residents, personnel, and the public.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A nursing home desiring to provide services other than those for which it is already licensed shall obtain prior approval from the Department.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The nursing home shall obtain prior approval from the Department for any part of the premises to be used for tenant occupancy or for unrelated business purposes.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>A nursing home shall be constructed in accordance with the provisions of the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Construction in an Existing Structure. In existing structures, the Department shall entertain requests for waivers on items that:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Will not endanger the health and safety of residents, visitors, employees, and other individuals using the nursing home; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>If corrected, will result in an unreasonable, substantial financial burden on the nursing home.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Conversion of an Existing Structure. When an owner plans to convert an existing structure that has not been licensed as a nursing or care home to a nursing home, the owner shall be required to meet all conditions set forth in this chapter.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Preventative Maintenance Program. A nursing home shall have a documented preventative maintenance program. This program shall include:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Periodic service and testing of items as recommended by manufacturers of at least the following:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Building systems;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Building components;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Resident care equipment;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Resident therapy equipment;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Resident bathing and shower equipment;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(f)">
        <text>Furniture and furnishings;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(g)">
        <text>Wheelchairs;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(h)">
        <text>Walkers;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(i)">
        <text>Body lifts;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(j)">
        <text>Scales;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(k)">
        <text>Electronics; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(l)">
        <text>Electrical switches and outlets;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Ongoing staff monitoring for evidence of malfunction or deterioration; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>A centralized system for reporting and monitoring repairs.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>