10A NCAC 13G .0315      HOUSEKEEPING AND FURNISHINGS

(a)  A family care home 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 North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, Environmental Health Section approved sanitation classification at all times, pursuant to the "Rules Governing the Sanitation of Residential Care Facilities", 15A NCAC 18A .1600, which is incorporated by reference including all subsequent amendments and can be accessed electronically free of charge at http://ehs.dph.ncddhs.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 weekly 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 water bed is allowed if requested by a resident and permitted by the facility. Each bed is to have the following:

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

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

(C)          a 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 within bedroom or adjoining bathroom; and

(8)           a light overhead of bed with a switch that may be reached by a person lying on the 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)           tables and chairs to seat all residents eating in the dining room; and

(2)           chairs that are sturdy, non‑folding, without rollers unless retractable or on front legs only, 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. July 1, 2005; September 1, 1987; April 1, 1987; April 1, 1984;

Recodified from 10A NCAC 13G .0314 Eff. July 1, 2005;

Readopted Eff. April 1, 2025.