# COMAR Title 10 — Maryland Department of Health

## Subtitle 63 — Community-Based Behavioral Health Programs and Services

### Chapter 04 — Additional Requirements for Accreditation-Based Licenses for Specific Residential Community-Based Behavioral Health Services

#### Regulation .07 Residential Site Requirements.

*COMAR 10.63.04.07*

A program licensed to provide community-based behavioral health residential services under this chapter shall ensure that:

A. All areas of a residence, including storage areas:

  (1) Are safe;

  (2) Clean; and

  (3) Free of hazards and clutter;

B. A residence has:

  (1) No housing code or zoning violations;

  (2) Working smoke alarms or smoke detectors that meet local fire codes for residential dwellings;

  (3) Hot and cold running water:

  (4) Adequate light, heat, and ventilation; and

  (5) Sufficient, appropriate, and functional furnishings, equipment, supplies, and utensils comparable to those found in the residences of nondisabled individuals;

C. Each resident:

  (1) Has the resources to purchase or has access to food;

  (2) Has the resources to acquire an adequate supply of soap, towels, and toilet tissue;

  (3) Who self-administers medication, has access to a secure storage area for the resident’s medications;

  (4) Has access to a secure storage area for funds and valuables;

  (5) Has access to transportation;

  (6) Has access to a telephone in the residence; and

  (7) To the extent possible, may use personal possessions and preferences in furnishing and decorating the resident’s space.

D. The following emergency procedures are followed:

  (1) Posted near the telephone are telephone numbers for the:

    (a) Fire department, police, ambulance, and poison control center; and

    (b) Program’s on-call staff; and

  (2) An emergency evacuation procedure that is explained to and practiced by residents within 10 days after entering residence and, at a minimum, every 3 months after that;

E. Each bedroom has:

  (1) A minimum of 70 square feet for a single bedroom and a minimum of 120 square feet for a double bedroom;

  (2) An interior door, except for an efficiency apartment;

  (3) Closet space in or convenient to each bedroom for each individual using the bedroom;

  (4) Coverings for each window, for privacy;

  (5) A bed with a clean mattress and pillow for each resident using the bedroom;

  (6) At least two sets of bed linens per resident; and

  (7) Not more than two residents using the bedroom;

F. Each toilet and bathing area has:

  (1) A minimum of one full bathroom for every four residents; and

  (2) At least one toilet, one basin, and one tub or shower connected to hot and cold water;

  (3) Easy access and conveniently located, not more than one floor level from living, dining, and sleeping rooms; and

  (4) Privacy for the individual using it; and

G. The program has a written relocation plan for each site that:

  (1) Specifies where residents may live temporarily if the CSA or LBHA determines that conditions in the approved residence pose an imminent risk to the health, safety, or welfare of a resident;

  (2) Is approved by the CSA or LBHA, as appropriate; and

  (3) Is updated annually.