Evening star., 1951-06-17
Nursing Homes
Warned 10 Obey
Building Code
20 Proprietors Told
They Must Comply
Or Quit Business

Twenty District nursing homes
are on notice that they must
comply with the new District
Building Code If they want to
keep operating, and II others
have turned to other uses, it was
learned yesterday.
In addition, the District De-
partrnent of Inspections is on the
lookout for any others running
without certificates of occupancy.
Concerned about the situation,
the United Community Services
lis seeking an appointment with
the Commissioners to see what
can be done about it.
Fire Protection Sought.
Homes that already have oc-
eupancy certificates are not af-
fected. but r. Donald Kinney,
Inspections Department engineer,
said, 1--WE expect to keep right on
this thing and find all that are
operating Illegally"
Main objective of the Inspec-
'tions Department is to see that
adequate fire protection is pro-
vided in homes caring for people
confined to their beds or chairs.
Until the revised BUILDING
Code went in effect last February
l, however. officials were hamp-
cred in enforcing strict COM
pliance because of the absence OF
a definition of the terms con-
Ivalescent and nursing homes.
There were requirements listed
for such homes. but when a dis
pute arose as to whether an es-
tablishment actually was subject
to them District officials had no
clear cut definition to use.
Definition Now Clear.
Now. however, the code sets ii
down in black and white.
Convalescent and nursin g
homes. it says, are buildings other
than hospitals or asylums used
as, maintained as. advertised as
or held out for the care, treat
ment or lodging of two or more
persons, not related by blood OF
marriage to the owner
operator or manager (who
Iare) aged. infirm, senile. afflicted
or suffering from any physical OF
mental disease. illness or afflic-
ton, or who are drug or alcoholic
addictS. and who -. are confined
to bed or chair. or require or re-
ceive special diet. individual feed
ing in sleeping rooms, assistance
in feeding, dressing. walking or
toileting, or assistance in any
other ordinary daily activities oil
life" r r.
Isadore Seeman, secretary OF
the UCS Health Section, said al
least two of the places under no.
tice are homes for the aged.
Committee Concerned.
A committee on chronic illness
working under the Health Section
has been studying the problem OF
additional facilities. 1t recently
learned of the situation under
the new code, and is concerned
about the effort it might have.
The committee will seek some
help from the commissioners te
prevent i'll or aged persons from
being without care. It will pre-
sent figures to the city heads or
how many patients may be af-
fected.
Mr.. Kinney said the new code
brings almost every rest home in
to the category of a convalescent
home. After it became effective
the Inspections Department began
to serve notices on places apply.
ing for occupancy permits. stating
what would have to be done te
qualify them.
There are Al items required, in.
cluding enclosure of all stairs with
masonry partitions, provision o.
fire doors, removal of standard firt
escapes prohibited in such homes
and fire protection of Easements
Most of the homes, Mr.. Kinne,
said, are converted residences
many would require considerable
work.
Also. many such homes have
sprung up in neighborhoods where
the zoning regulations forbie
them, he added. In these cases, thu
homes must get clearance with tht
Board of Zoning Adjustment.