Idaho § 39-3504 - Physical and environmental standards

§ 39-3504. Physical and environmental standards

(1) Standards shall be developed through the regulatory process by the department to ensure a safe, sanitary and comfortable environment for residents of certified family homes.

(2) Any structure used for a certified family home shall be in a building suitable for residential use and is subject to department approval.

(a) The home shall be structurally sound and maintained to ensure safe occupancy.

(b) Single- or double-occupancy sleeping rooms shall be provided in the home for the residents’ personal space.

(c) The home shall contain common living areas for the residents’ enjoyment, including space and furnishings for socializing and dining.

(d) The home shall contain at least one (1) bathroom accessible to residents that is equipped with a flush toilet, a tub or shower, and a sink with a mirror. Toilet and shower or bathing facilities shall be separated from common living areas in the home by solid walls or partitions.

(e) The home shall contain at least one (1) kitchen accessible to residents that is equipped with a sink, oven, refrigerator, and counterspace.

(f) All plumbing in the home shall be maintained in good working order. Tubs, showers, and sinks shall be connected to hot and cold water and have adequate water pressure.

(g) The home shall have adequate storage space such that sundry items do not encroach on living areas or walkways and do not present a fire or life safety hazard.

(h) Temperatures in the home shall be maintained at levels promulgated in rule.

(i) Sufficient lighting shall be available in any room accessible to residents.

(3) The care provider shall take precautions to prevent disease by maintaining sanitary conditions in the home.

(a) The water supply used by the household shall be adequate, clean, and safe.

(b) Garbage and refuse shall be collected and regularly removed from the property.

(c) Sufficient housekeeping, including regular laundry service, shall be provided to maintain the home in a clean, safe, and orderly manner.

(d) The care provider shall ensure proper food handling, preparation, and storage standards are observed for meals offered to residents in the home.

(e) The home shall be well-ventilated.

(f) Pest control shall be implemented when necessary.

(4) The care provider shall take fire and life safety precautions, including equipping and maintaining the home to ensure the safety of residents.

(a) Egress from the home and ingress into the home shall not be obstructed. Clear pathways shall be maintained to and from points of egress and ingress.

(b) Potential hazards, including but not limited to tripping, burn, fire, explosion, poison, and drowning hazards or any other natural or man-made hazard, shall be removed or adequately mitigated as necessary for the safety of residents.

(c) The care provider shall develop and implement a written emergency preparedness plan, including the practice of regular emergency drills.