<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".53" citation="COMAR 10.07.02.53" title_num="10" subtitle_num="07" chapter_num="02" heading="Rehabilitation Facilities — Space and Equipment.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Unless otherwise indicated, all general requirements apply to both new construction and an existing nursing home.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>General Requirements.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Space.</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>A nursing home shall provide adequate space to:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Receive, examine, and treat residents;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Store supplies and equipment, including wheelchairs and stretchers; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iii)">
          <text>Provide office space for the employed personnel to work.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>A nursing home shall allot 75 square feet for treatment area per resident, based on peak treatment schedules.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>A nursing home shall plan and arrange space for shared use by physical therapy and occupational therapy staff and residents, if scheduling permits.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>A nursing home may distribute space in the following manner:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Storage space shall comprise at least 10 percent of the area designated for exercise and rehabilitation; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Office space shall be at least 110 square feet for one therapist, or 85 square feet per therapist if there are two or more.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Equipment.</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Equipment shall allow for providing safe and effective resident care.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>All electrical equipment shall be calibrated according to the manufacturer's guidelines and shall be serviced periodically as part of a preventive maintenance program. A sticker bearing the date of the most current inspection shall be affixed on each piece of equipment.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>All electrical equipment shall be tested periodically for proper grounding, current leakage, and calibration where appropriate.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>The operator’s instruction manual shall be available in a designated location or accessible electronically at all times.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>All flammables shall be stored in compliance with NFPA 99 Health Care Facilities.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(f)">
        <text>Adequate exhaust ventilation shall be provided when using vaporous materials or pollutants.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Toilet Facilities in Rehabilitation Area — New Construction.</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>A nursing home with rehabilitation areas shall provide a hand-washing sink and toilet which meet Guidelines for Design and Construction of Residential Health, Care, and Support Facilities standards for residents who use a wheelchair.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The nursing home shall be readily accessible to the residents receiving rehabilitative services.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Toilets and bathing rooms within a rehabilitation area shall be equipped with a nurse call system.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>