10A NCAC 70K .0314       HOUSEKEEPING AND FURNISHINGS

(a)  Each residential maternity home shall:

(1)           have walls, ceilings, and floors or floor coverings kept clean and in good repair;

(2)           have no chronic unpleasant odors;

(3)           have furniture clean and in good repair;

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

(5)           have a supply of bath soap, clean towels, washcloths, sheets, pillow cases, blankets and additional coverings adequate for resident use on hand at all times;

(6)           have television and radio, each in good working order;

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

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

(9)           have at least one telephone that does not depend on electricity or cellular service to operate.  Emergency telephone numbers shall be posted at the telephone.

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

(1)           a bed equipped with box springs and mattress or solid link springs and no‑sag innerspring or foam mattress. No day-bed, convertible sofa or other bedding of temporary nature shall be used.  A water bed is allowed if requested by a resident and permitted by the home.  Each bed is to have the following:

(A)          at least one pillow with clean pillow case;

(B)          clean top and bottom sheets on the bed, with bed changed as often as necessary but at least once a week; and

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

(2)           a bedside type table and lamp;

(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 can be used by each resident;

(5)           a minimum of one comfortable chair (rocker or straight, arm or without arms, as preferred by resident);

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

(7)           a light overhead of each bed or a lamp.  The light shall provide a minimum of 30 foot‑candle power of illumination for reading; and

(8)           cribs for each infant; children's beds for other children of the mothers. 

(c)  The living room shall have functional living room furnishings for the comfort of maternity home residents, with coverings that are easily cleanable.

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

(1)           tables and chairs to seat all residents eating in the dining room; and

(2)           high chairs and booster seats for all infants and children in the home.

(e)  This Rule shall apply to new and existing homes.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 131D‑1; 143B‑153;

Eff. October 1, 2008;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. April 5, 2016.