SECTION 554.309. Other Environmental Conditions

The facility must provide a safe, functional, sanitary, and comfortable environment for residents, staff, and the public.

(1) The facility must:

(A) establish procedures to ensure that water is available to essential areas when there is a loss of normal water supply;

(B) have adequate outside ventilation by means of windows, mechanical ventilation, or a combination of the two;

(C) maintain an effective pest control program so that the facility is free of pests and rodents; and

(D) equip corridors with firmly secured handrails on each side on all wall segments 18 inches in length or longer. These rails must be substantially anchored to withstand downward force and must be mounted 33 to 36 inches from the floor.

(2) No occupancies or activities undesirable to the health, safety, or well-being of residents will be located in the facility.

(3) An electric water cooler or water fountain must be accessible to residents. When new drinking fountains are provided, at least one must be installed to be accessible to persons in wheelchairs.

(4) Public toilets with sanitary hand-washing and drying provisions must be provided or designated.

(5) If deodorant is used for air-freshening purposes, the following procedures must apply:

(A) deodorants or air fresheners are permitted provided the dispensing device is located where it is inaccessible to residents;

(B) these products are not used to cover odors resulting from poor housekeeping practices or unsanitary conditions;

(C) these products are not used in excess;

(D) there is no contra-indication on the label of the product indicating that the product should not be used in the presence of persons who are older or ill; and

(E) devices, such as ozone generators, ultra-violet generators, and smoke eliminators, must be approved by HHSC.

(6) Permanently mounted hold-open devices to expedite emergency egress and prevent accidental lock-out must be provided for exterior doors.

Source Note: The provisions of this §554.309 adopted to be effective July 1, 1996, 21 TexReg 4408; amended to be effective March 22, 2018, 43 TexReg 1646; transferred effective January 15, 2021, as published in the Texas Register December 11, 2020, 45 TexReg 8871