SECTION 553.132. Space Planning and Utilization Requirements for an Existing Large Type A Assisted Living Facility

(a) Resident bedrooms.

(1) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must ensure a resident bedroom or living unit is not located on a floor that is below finished ground level.

(2) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must ensure bedroom usable floor space is not less than 80 square feet for a bedroom housing one resident and not less than 60 square feet per resident for a bedroom housing multiple residents, unless otherwise permitted by paragraphs (3) and (4) of this subsection. Portions of a bedroom that are less than eight feet in the smallest dimension cannot be included in the measurement of bedroom usable floor space, unless approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).

(3) An existing large Type A assisted living facility containing individual living units that include living space for the residents, in addition to their bedroom, may reduce the bedroom usable floor space for a bedroom housing multiple residents within a living unit by up to 10 percent of the required bedroom usable floor space, as long as the minimum dimensional criteria are maintained. An existing large Type A assisted living facility must not use this provision in conjunction with the provision permitting the reduction of common social-diversional areas or common dining areas found in subsection (g)(6) of this section.

(4) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must house no more than 50 percent of its licensed resident capacity in bedrooms housing three or more residents. A bedroom must not house more than four residents.

(b) Bedroom windows. An existing large Type A assisted living facility must ensure each bedroom has at least one operable window with outside exposure and meeting the following requirements.

(1) The window sill must be no higher than 44 inches above the floor.

(2) The window must be operable by a resident occupying the bedroom, from the inside, without the use of tools or special devices.

(3) The total area of all windows in a bedroom must not be less than eight percent of the minimum bedroom usable floor space according to the requirements of subsection (a)(2) of this section.

(4) An existing bedroom window not meeting these requirements may be continued in service, subject to approval by HHSC.

(c) Bedroom furnishings. When a resident does not provide their own furnishings, an existing large Type A assisted living facility must provide the following furnishings for each resident, which must be maintained in good repair:

(1) a bed, including a mattress;

(2) a chair;

(3) a table or dresser; and

(4) private clothes storage space, which must have closable doors, and drawer space for clothing and personal belongings.

(d) Arrangement of resident living units or rooms.

(1) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must ensure all resident rooms open on an exit, corridor, living area, or public area.

(2) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must ensure a resident room is arranged for convenient resident access to dining and recreation areas.

(e) Staff area. An existing large Type A assisted living facility must provide a staff area on each floor of an existing large Type A assisted living facility and in each separate building containing resident sleeping rooms, except as permitted under paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(1) An existing large Type A assisted living facility that is not more than two stories in height and is composed of separate buildings grouped together and connected by covered walks, is not required to provide a staff area on each floor or in each building, provided that a staff area is located not more than 200 feet walking distance from the farthest resident living unit.

(2) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must provide the following at each staff area:

(A) a desk or writing surface;

(B) a telephone; and

(C) a fire alarm control unit or a fire alarm annunciator panel meeting the requirements of §553.135 of this division (relating to Fire Protection Systems Requirements for an Existing Large Type A Assisted Living Facility).

(f) Resident toilet and bathing facilities. An existing large Type A assisted living facility must ensure each resident bedroom is served by a separate private toilet room, a connecting toilet room, or a general toilet room.

(1) An existing large Type A assisted living facility that houses individuals of more than one gender must provide toilet rooms for each gender, or individual single-occupant toilet rooms for use by any gender.

(2) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must ensure a general toilet room or bathing room is accessible from a corridor or public space.

(3) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must ensure resident toilet and bathing facilities comply with the requirements for resident-use plumbing fixtures according to §553.137 of this division (relating to Mechanical Requirements for an Existing Large Type A Assisted Living Facility).

(g) Resident living areas.

(1) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must provide, in a common area of the facility, social-diversional spaces with appropriate furniture. Examples of social-diversional spaces include living rooms, day rooms, lounges, dens, game rooms, and sunrooms.

(A) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must provide a social-diversional space with a minimum area of 120 square feet in at least one space within a common area of the facility, regardless of the number of residents or other provisions of this section permitting a reduction in the total minimum social-diversional space.

(B) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must ensure a social-diversional space has one or more exterior windows providing a view of the outside.

(C) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must ensure the total space for social-diversional areas is provided on a sliding scale according to the following table. No space smaller than 120 square feet in area can be counted toward meeting this requirement.

Attached Graphic

(2) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must provide a dining area with appropriate furniture.

(A) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must provide a dining space with a minimum area of 120 square feet in at least one space within a common area of the facility, regardless of the number of residents or other provisions of this section permitting a reduction in the total minimum dining space.

(B) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must ensure a dining space has one or more exterior windows providing a view of the outside.

(C) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must ensure a dining area is accessible from resident living units or bedrooms via a covered path.

(D) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must ensure the total space for dining areas is provided on a sliding scale according to the following table. No space smaller than 120 square feet in area can be counted toward meeting this requirement.

Attached Graphic

(3) An existing large Type A assisted living facility may provide a total living and dining area combined in a single or interconnecting space where the minimum area of the combined space is at least 240 square feet.

(4) For calculation purposes, where a means of egress passes through a living or dining area, an existing large Type A assisted living facility must deduct a pathway, equal to the minimum corridor width, according to §553.133 of this division (relating to Means of Egress Requirements for an Existing Large Type A Assisted Living Facility), from the measured area of the space.

(5) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must ensure a means of egress through a resident living or dining area is kept clear of obstructions, except as permitted by NFPA 101.

(6) Subject to the limitations of paragraphs (1)(A) and (2)(A) of this subsection and subparagraphs (A) and (B) of this paragraph, an existing large Type A assisted living facility containing individual living units may reduce the minimum square footage required by paragraphs (1)(C) and (2)(D) of this subsection for total common social-diversional or common dining areas, respectively, by including up to 10 percent of the individual living unit area in the calculation of the total social-diversional area or total dining area.

(A) The individual living unit area contributed toward total social-diversional space or total dining space must not be counted more than once per living unit but may be split between social-diversional and dining space calculations.

(B) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must not utilize both this paragraph and subsection (a)(3) of this section to reduce both the minimum square footage otherwise required for its common social-diversional or dining areas and the minimum square footage of usable floor space otherwise required in bedrooms housing multiple residents within a living unit.

(h) Storage areas. An existing large Type A assisted living facility must provide sufficient separate storage spaces or areas for at least:

(1) administrative records, office supplies, and other storage needs related to administration;

(2) medications and medical supplies;

(3) equipment supplied by the facility for resident needs, including wheelchairs, walkers, beds, and mattresses;

(4) cleaning supplies, including for janitorial needs;

(5) food;

(6) clean linens and towels, if the facility furnishes linen;

(7) soiled linen, if the facility furnishes linen; and

(8) lawn and maintenance equipment.

(i) General kitchen.

(1) An existing large Type A assisted living facility that prepares food off-site or in a separate building must ensure food is served at the proper temperature and transported in a sanitary manner.

(2) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must ensure a kitchen meets the requirements of the local fire, building, and health codes.

(3) An existing large Type A assisted living facility that prepares food on-site must provide a kitchen or dietary area to meet the general food service needs of the residents and must include space for:

(A) storage, refrigeration, preparation, and serving food;

(B) dish and utensil cleaning, which includes:

(i) a three-compartment sink large enough to immerse pots and pans; and

(ii) a mechanical dishwasher for washing and sanitizing dishes;

(C) a food preparation sink;

(D) a handwashing station in every food preparation area with a supply of hot and cold water, soap, a towel dispenser and a waste receptacle;

(E) a handwashing lavatory that is readily accessible to every dish room area;

(F) refuse storage and removal;

(G) floor drains in the kitchen and dishwashing areas, unless the facility was licensed before January 6, 2014, and the facility can keep the floor clean; and

(H) a grease trap, if required by local authorities.

(4) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must ensure a kitchen is designed so that room temperature, at peak load or in the summer, does not exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit measured throughout the room at five feet above the floor.

(5) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must ensure the volume of supply air provided takes into account the large quantities of air that may be exhausted at the range hood and dishwashing area.

(6) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must provide a supply of hot and cold water.

(A) Hot water for sanitizing purposes must be 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

(B) When chemical sanitizers are used, hot water must meet the manufacturer's suggested temperature.

(7) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must maintain a separation between soiled and clean dish areas.

(8) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must maintain a separation of air flow between soiled and clean dish areas.

(j) Kitchen restrooms.

(1) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must provide a restroom facility for kitchen staff, including a lavatory, except as described in paragraph (2) of this subsection.

(A) The restroom facility must be directly accessible to kitchen staff without traversing resident-use areas.

(B) The restroom must open into a service corridor or vestibule and not open directly into the kitchen.

(2) An existing large Type A assisted living facility licensed before January 6, 2014, may provide a staff restroom that may be located outside the kitchen area.

(k) Kitchen janitorial facility.

(1) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must provide janitorial facilities exclusively for the kitchen and located in the kitchen area, except as described in paragraph (2) of this subsection.

(2) An existing large Type A assisted living facility licensed before January 6, 2014, must provide a janitorial facility for the kitchen. The janitorial facility may be located outside the kitchen if sanitary procedures are used to reduce the possibility of cross-contamination.

(3) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must provide a garbage can or cart washing area with a floor drain and a supply of hot water. The garbage can or cart washing area may be in the interior or on the exterior of the facility.

(4) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must provide floor drains in the kitchen and dishwashing areas unless the facility was licensed before January 6, 2014, and the facility can keep the floors clean.

(5) If required by local authorities, an existing large Type A assisted living facility must provide a grease trap.

(l) Finishes.

(1) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must provide non-absorbent, smooth finishes or surfaces on all kitchen floors, walls and ceilings.

(2) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must provide non-absorbent, smooth, cleanable finishes on counter surfaces and all cabinet surfaces.

(3) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must ensure surfaces are capable of being routinely cleaned and sanitized to maintain a healthful environment.

(m) Vision panels in communicating doors.

(1) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must ensure a door between a kitchen and a dining area, serving area, or resident-use area, is provided with a vision panel with fixed safety glass. Where the door is a required fire door or is located in a fire barrier or other fire resistance-rated enclosure, the vision panel, including the glazing and the frame, must meet the requirements of NFPA 101.

(2) Existing doors between kitchens and adjacent spaces that are not provided with vision panels may be continued in service, subject to approval by HHSC.

(n) Auxiliary serving kitchens.

(1) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must ensure an auxiliary serving kitchen is equipped to maintain required food temperatures.

(2) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must ensure an auxiliary serving kitchen is equipped with a handwashing lavatory meeting the requirements of this section.

(3) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must ensure all surfaces in an auxiliary serving kitchen meet the requirements for finishes in this section.

(o) Protection of cooking operations.

(1) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must protect cooking facilities using commercial or residential cooking equipment for meal preparation as commercial cooking operations, according to the requirements for commercial cooking equipment in §553.136 of this division (relating to Hazardous Area Requirements for an Existing Large Type A Assisted Living Facility).

(2) The following commercial or residential cooking equipment used only for reheating, and not for meal preparation, is not required to comply with the requirements of §553.136 of this division:

(A) microwave ovens;

(B) hot plates; or

(C) toasters.

(p) Food storage areas.

(1) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must provide a food storage area large enough to consistently maintain a four-day minimum supply of non-perishable food. A food storage area may be located away from the food preparation area as long as there is space adjacent to the kitchen for necessary daily usage.

(2) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must provide dollies, racks, pallets, wheeled containers, or shelving, so that food is not stored on the floor.

(A) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must ensure shelves are adjustable wire type shelving.

(B) An existing large Type A assisted living facility licensed before January 6, 2014, may use wood shelves provided the shelves are sealed and clean.

(3) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must provide non-absorbent finishes or surfaces on all floors and walls in food storage areas.

(4) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must provide effective ventilation in dry food storage areas to ensure positive air circulation.

(5) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must ensure the maximum room temperature in a food storage area does not exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit at any time, when measured at the highest food storage level, but not less than five feet above the floor.

(q) Laundry and linen services.

(1) An existing large Type A assisted living facility that co-mingles and processes laundry on-site in a central location, regardless of the type of laundry equipment used, must ensure a laundry area:

(A) is separated from the assisted living building by a fire barrier having a one-hour fire resistance rating, and this separation must extend from the floor to the floor or roof above;

(B) is protected throughout by a fire sprinkler system;

(C) has access doors that open to the exterior or to an interior non-resident use area, such as a vestibule or service corridor; and

(D) is provided with:

(i) a soiled linen receiving, holding, and sorting room with a floor drain and forced exhaust to the exterior that;

(I) must always operate when soiled linen is held in this area; and

(II) may be combined with the washer section;

(ii) a general laundry work area that is separated by partitioning a washer section and a dryer section;

(iii) a storage area for laundry supplies;

(iv) a folding area;

(v) an adequate air supply and ventilation for staff comfort without having to rely on opening a door that is part of the fire barrier separation required by subparagraph (1)(A) of this subsection; and

(vi) provisions to exhaust heat from dryers and to separate dryer make-up air from the habitable work areas of the laundry.

(2) If linen is processed off site, the facility must provide:

(A) a soiled linen holding room with adequate forced exhaust ducted to the exterior; and

(B) a clean linen receiving, holding, inspection, sorting or folding, and storage room.

(3) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must ensure a laundry area for resident-use meets the following requirements.

(A) An existing large Type A assisted living facility must ensure only residential type washers and dryers are provided in a laundry area for resident-use.

(B) When more than three washers and three dryers are provided in one laundry area for resident use, the area must be:

(i) protected throughout by a fire sprinkler system; or

(ii) separated from the facility by a fire barrier having a one-hour fire resistance rating.

Source Note: The provisions of this §553.132 adopted to be effective August 31, 2021, 46 TexReg 5189