SECTION 343.272. Facility Maintenance, Cleanliness and Appearance

(a) Housekeeping Plan. The facility shall implement a written housekeeping plan and provide verification for the maintenance of a clean and sanitary facility that promotes a safe and secure environment for residents.

(1) The plan shall include:

(A) a schedule for periodic and routine cleaning and housekeeping, including:

(i) the identification of staff and resident responsibilities; and

(ii) the regular cleaning and disinfection of toilet and shower areas currently in use;

(B) a requirement for routine pest and vermin control; and

(C) a requirement for facility staff to conduct a weekly cleaning, safety, and maintenance inspection of all areas of the facility that are currently in use.

(2) The housekeeping plan shall be accessible to facility staff.

(b) Maintenance. The facility administrator shall be responsible for ensuring that the interior physical plant, exterior grounds, and all equipment are in proper repair and safely functioning including the following requirements:

(1) repairs shall be made promptly to all furniture, fixtures, and equipment currently in use that are not in safe working order;

(2) all surfaces in facility areas currently being used shall be regularly maintained and repaired if damaged and shall be reasonably free from graffiti and markings, excluding minor damage from reasonable and expected wear and tear from normal use; and

(3) all exterior grounds currently used for programmatic purposes or accessed by staff, residents, or visitors shall be free from any health and safety hazards and shall be appropriately maintained to ensure safe use by residents, staff, and visitors.

(c) Cleanliness. All areas of the facility where residents reside or participate in programming or services shall be clean, sanitary, and reasonably free from debris, rodents, insects, and strong, offensive, or foul odors.

Source Note: The provisions of this §343.272 adopted to be effective January 1, 2010, 34 TexReg 709; amended to be effective October 15, 2010, 35 TexReg 9117; amended to be effective January 1, 2015, 39 TexReg 9243