SECTION 553.311. Physical Plant Requirements for Alzheimer's Units

Alzheimer's units, if segregated from other parts of the Type B facility with approved security devices, must meet the following requirements within the Alzheimer's unit:

(1) Resident living areas must be in compliance with applicable requirements in Subchapter D of this chapter (relating to Facility Construction).

(2) Resident dining areas must be in compliance with applicable requirements in Subchapter D of this chapter for resident dining areas.

(3) Resident toilet and bathing facilities must be in compliance with applicable requirements in Subchapter D of this chapter for resident toilet and bathing facilities.

(4) A monitoring station must be provided within the Alzheimer's unit with a writing surface such as a desk or counter, chair, task illumination, telephone or intercom, and lockable storage for resident records.

(5) Access to at least two approved exits remote from each other must be provided in order to meet the NFPA 101 requirements.

(6) In large facilities, cross corridor control doors, if used for the security of the residents, must be similar to smoke doors, which are each 34 inches in width and swing in opposite directions. A latch or other fastening device on a door must be provided with a knob, handle, panic bar, or other simple type of releasing device.

(7) An outdoor area of at least 800 square feet must be provided in at least one contiguous space. This area must be connected to, be a part of, be controlled by, and be directly accessible from the facility.

(A) Such areas must have walls or fencing that do not allow climbing or present a hazard and meet the following requirements. These minimum dimensions do not apply to additional fencing erected along property lines or building setback lines for privacy or to meet requirements of local building authorities.

(i) Minimum distance of the enclosure fence from the building is 8 feet if the fence is parallel to the building and there are no window openings.

(ii) Minimum distance of the enclosure fence (parallel with building walls) from bedroom windows is 20 feet if the fencing is solid and 15 feet from bedroom windows if the fencing is open.

(iii) For unusual or unique site conditions, areas of enclosure may have alternate configurations with HHSC approval.

(B) Access to at least two approved exits remote from each other must be provided from the enclosed area in order to meet the Life Safety Code requirements.

(C) If the enclosed area involves a required exit from the building, the following additional requirements must be met:

(i) A minimum of two gates must be remotely located from each other if only one exit is enclosed. If two or more exits are enclosed by the fencing and entry access can be made at each door, a minimum of one gate is required.

(ii) The gates must be located to provide a continuous path of travel from the building exit to a public way, including walkways of concrete, asphalt, or other approved materials.

(iii) If gates are locked, the gate nearest the exit from the building must be locked with an electronic lock that operates the same as electronic locks on control doors or exit doors and is in compliance with the National Electrical Code for exterior exposure. Additional gates may also have electronic locks or may have keyed locks provided staff carry the keys. All gates may have keyed locks, provided all staff carry the keys, and the outdoor area has an area of refuge which:

(I) extends beyond a minimum of 30 feet from the building; and

(II) the area of refuge allows at least 15 square feet per person (resident, staff, visitor) potentially present at the time of a fire.

(8) Locking devices may be used on the control doors provided the following criteria are met:

(A) The building must have an approved sprinkler system and an approved fire alarm system to meet the licensing standards.

(B) The locking device must be electronic and must be released when any one of the following occurs:

(i) activation of the fire alarm or sprinkler system;

(ii) power failure to the facility; or

(iii) activation of a switch or button located at the monitoring station and at the main staff station.

(C) A key pad or buttons may be located at the control doors for routine use by staff.

(9) Locking devices may be used on the exit doors provided:

(A) the locking arrangements meet §7.2.1.6 of the NFPA 101; or

(B) the following criteria are met:

(i) the building must have an approved sprinkler system and an approved fire alarm system to meet the licensing standards;

(ii) the locking device must be electro-magnetic; that is, no type of throw-bolt is to be used;

(iii) the device must release when any one of the following occurs:

(I) activation of the fire alarm or sprinkler system;

(II) power failure to the facility; or

(III) activation of a switch or button located at the monitoring station and at the main staff station;

(iv) a key pad or buttons may be located at the control doors for routine use by staff;

(v) a manual fire alarm pull must be located within five feet of each exit door with a sign stating, "Pull to release door in an emergency"; and

(vi) staff must be trained in the methods of releasing the door device.

Source Note: The provisions of this §553.311 adopted to be effective August 31, 2021, 46 TexReg 2017