10A NCAC 13F .0306       HOUSEKEEPING AND FURNISHINGS

(a)  Adult care homes shall:

(1)           have walls, ceilings, and floors or floor coverings that are clean, safe, and functional;

(2)           have no persistent and recurring odors that are considered by the residents to be unpleasant;

(3)           have furniture that is clean, safe, and functional;

(4)           have a sanitation report in accordance with one of the following:

(A)          a North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, Environmental Health Section approved sanitation classification at all times in facilities with 12 beds or less, pursuant to the "Rules Governing the Sanitation of Residential Care Facilities", 15A NCAC 18A .1600, which are incorporated by reference including all subsequent amendments and can be accessed electronically free of charge at http://ehs.dph.ncdhhs.gov/rules.htm; and

(B)          a North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health, and Environmental Health Section sanitation scores of 85 or above at all times in facilities with 13 beds or more. The "Rules Governing the Sanitation of Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Adult Care Homes, and Other Institutions", 15A NCAC 18A .1300, can be accessed electronically free of charge at http://ehs.dph.ncdhhs.gov/rules.htm.

(5)           be maintained in an uncluttered, clean, and orderly manner, free of all obstructions and hazards;

(6)           have a supply available in the facility at all times of bath soap, clean towels, washcloths, sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and additional covers such as a bedspread, comforter, or quilt for each resident to use;

(7)           make available the following items as needed at no additional charge to the personal funds of recipients of State-County Special Assistance:

(A)          protective mattress covers, and clean, absorbent, soft, and smooth mattress pads;

(B)          bedpans and urinals; and

(C)          bedside commodes, walkers, and wheelchairs.

(8)           have one television and one radio, in good working order;

(9)           have curtains, draperies, or blinds at windows in resident use areas to provide for resident privacy;

(10)         have recreational equipment, supplies for games, books, magazines, and a current newspaper available for residents;

(11)         have a clock that has numbers at least 1½ inches tall in the living room, the dining room, or dining area; and

(12)         have at least one telephone that does not require electricity or cellular service to operate.

(b)  Each bedroom shall have the following furnishings in good repair and clean for each resident:

(1)           a bed equipped with a box spring and mattress or a bed frame with solid link springs with a foam mattress or a mattress designed to prevent sagging. A hospital bed equipped with all accessories required for use shall be arranged for as needed. A waterbed is allowed if requested by a resident and permitted by the facility. Each bed shall have the following:

(A)          at least one pillow with clean pillowcase;

(B)          a clean top and bottom sheet on the bed, with bed changed at least once a week and when soiled; and

(C)          clean bedspread and other clean coverings as needed.

(2)           a bedside type table;

(3)           chest of drawers or bureau when not provided as built-ins, or a double chest of drawers or double dresser for two residents;

(4)           a wall or dresser mirror that may be used by each resident in each bedroom;

(5)           a minimum of one chair that is comfortable as preferred by the resident, which may include a rocking or straight chair, with or without arms, that is high enough for the resident to easily rise without discomfort;

(6)           additional chairs available, as needed, for use by visitors;

(7)           individual clean towel, wash cloth, and towel bar in the bedroom or an adjoining bathroom; and

(8)           a light overhead of bed with a switch within reach of person lying on bed; or a lamp. The light shall provide a minimum of 30 foot-candle power of illumination for reading.

(c)  The living room shall have living room furnishings that are in good working order and provide comfort as preferred by residents with coverings that are easily cleanable.

(d)  The dining room shall have the following furnishings:

(1)           small tables serving from two to eight persons and chairs to seat all residents eating in the dining room; tables and chairs equal to the resident capacity of the home shall be on the premises; and

(2)           chairs that are sturdy, without rollers unless retractable or on front legs only, non-folding and designed to minimize tilting.

(e)  Notwithstanding the requirements of Rule .0301 of this Section, this Rule shall apply to new and existing facilities.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 131D-2.16; 143B-165;

Eff. January 1, 1977;

Readopted Eff. October 31, 1977;

Amended Eff. April 1, 1987; April 1, 1984;

Temporary Amendment Eff. September 1, 2003.

Amended Eff. June 1, 2004;

Recodified from 10A NCAC 13F .0304 Eff. July 1, 2004;

Temporary Amendment Eff. July 1, 2004;

Amended Eff. July 1, 2005;

Readopted Eff. April 1, 2025.