10A NCAC 13G .0312      OUTSIDE ENTRANCE AND EXITS

(a)  In family care homes, floor levels shall have at least two outside entrances/exits that are so located and constructed to minimize the possibility that both outside entrances/exits from the facility may be blocked by a fire or other emergency condition. Exiting through another resident's bedroom is not permitted.

(b)  At least one outside entrance/exit door shall be a minimum width of three feet and another shall be a minimum width of two feet and eight inches.

(c)  At least one principal outside entrance/exit for the residents' use shall be at grade level or accessible by ramp with a one inch rise for each 12 inches of length of the ramp. For the purposes of this Rule, a principal outside entrance/exit is one that is most often used by residents for vehicular access. If the facility has a resident that must have physical assistance with evacuation, the facility shall have two outside entrances/exits at grade level or accessible by a ramp.

(d)  All outside entrance/exit door locks shall be operable by a single hand motion from the inside at all times without keys, tools, or special knowledge. Existing deadbolts and turn buttons on the inside of outside entrances/exit doors, including screen and storm doors, shall be removed or disabled.

(e)  All outside entrances/exits shall be free of all obstructions or impediments to allow for full instant use in case of fire or other emergency.

(f)  All steps, porches, stoops, and ramps shall have handrails and guards. Handrails shall be on both sides of steps and ramps, including sides bordered by the facility wall. Handrails shall extend the full length of steps and ramps. Guards shall be on open sides of steps, porches, stoops, and ramps. For the purposes of this Rule, "guards" are rails or barriers located at or near the open sides of elevated walking surfaces that minimizes the possibility of a fall from a walking surface to an adjacent change in elevation.

(g)  In facilities with at least one resident who is determined by a physician or is otherwise observed by staff to be disoriented or exhibiting wandering behavior, all outside entrance/exit doors shall have a continuously sounding device that is activated when the door is opened. The sound shall be audible throughout the facility. If a central system of remote sounding devices is provided, the control panel for the system shall be powered by the facility's electrical system, and be located in an area accessible to staff. Notwithstanding the requirements of Rule .0301 of this Section, the requirements of this Paragraph 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. July 1, 2005; April 1, 1987; July 1, 1984; April 1, 1984;

Recodified from 10A NCAC 13G .0311 Eff. July 1, 2005;

Readopted Eff. April 1, 2025.