Massachusetts § 72C - Convalescent or nursing homes; lighting and ventilation
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 72C — Convalescent or nursing homes; lighting and ventilation, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 72C. Convalescent or nursing homes; lighting and ventilation
Section 72C. All convalescent or nursing homes shall be provided throughout with electric lighting, and shall have an emergency lighting system for the boiler room, exits, stairs, patient corridors and nurses' stations, which shall be maintained in proper working order and kept available for use when required, and an emergency generator or battery with a capacity sufficient to supply the emergency lighting system for a period of at least one and one half hours, and for such further period as may be determined by rule or regulation of the department. Lighting of not less than five foot candles shall be provided during the night in all corridors and toilets, and lighting of not less than one foot candle shall be provided during the night in patients' rooms. All rooms or other areas used by patients shall, unless lights are kept on therein continuously, have light switches so located as to be within easy reach of wheel chair patients.
The use of candles, kerosene lamps or lanterns or other open flame methods of illumination in a convalescent or nursing home is prohibited.
All convalescent or nursing homes shall provide each room and space therein which does not have an outside window and which is used by patients or personnel of such home with forced or other ventilation sufficient to change the air therein at least once in six minutes.
The department shall make such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section, and shall establish standards of lighting for convalescent or nursing homes, said standards to be in accordance with the lighting levels of the Illuminating Engineering Society.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 72C
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 72C cover?
Section 72C ("Convalescent or nursing homes; lighting and ventilation") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 72C?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 72C" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 72C apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.