Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 554 - NURSING FACILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE AND MEDICAID CERTIFICATION › Subchapter D - FACILITY CONSTRUCTION › Division 5 - FACILITIES LICENSED ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 11, 2003 AND BEFORE APRIL 2, 2018 › Section 554.332 - Location and Site

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) Any
					 conditions considered to be a fire, safety, or health hazard will be grounds
					 for disapproval of a site by HHSC.
(b) Site grades must provide for positive
					 surface water drainage so that there will be no ponding or standing water on
					 the designated site. This does not apply to local government requirements for
					 engineered controlled run-off holding ponds.
(c) Exit doors from the building must not
					 open directly onto a drive for vehicular traffic, but must be set back at least
					 six feet from the edge of the drive, measured from the end of the building wall
					 in the case of a recessed door, to prevent accidents due to lack of visual
					 warning.
(d) Walks must be provided
					 as required from all exits and must be of non-slip surfaces free of hazards.
					 Walks must be at least 48 inches wide except as otherwise approved. Ramps
					 should be used in lieu of steps where possible for individuals with a
					 disability and to facilitate bed or wheelchair removal in an
					 emergency.
(e) Outdoor activity,
					 recreational, and sitting spaces must be provided and appropriately designed,
					 landscaped, and equipped. Some shaded or covered outside areas are needed.
					 These areas must be designed to accommodate residents in wheelchairs.
(f) Each facility must have parking space to
					 satisfy the needs of residents, employees, staff, and visitors. In the absence
					 of a formal parking study, each facility must provide for a ratio of at least
					 one parking space for every four beds in the facility. This ratio may be
					 reduced slightly in areas convenient to public parking facilities. Space must
					 be provided for emergency and delivery vehicles. No parking space may block or
					 inhibit egress from the outside exit doors. Parking spaces and drives must be
					 at least ten feet away from windows in bedrooms, dining, and living
					 areas.
(g) Barriers must be
					 provided for resident safety from traffic or other site hazards by the use of
					 appropriate methods such as fences, hedges, retaining walls, railings, or other
					 landscaping. These barriers must not inhibit the free emergency egress to a
					 safe distance away from the building.
(h) Auxiliary buildings located within 20
					 feet of the main building must meet the applicable NFPA 101 requirements for
					 separation and construction.
(i)
					 Other buildings on the site must meet the appropriate occupancy section or
					 separation requirements of NFPA 101.
(j) Fire service and access must be as
					 follows:
(1) The facility must be served by a
					 paid or volunteer fire department. The fire department must provide written
					 assurance to HHSC that the fire department can respond to an emergency at the
					 facility within an appropriately prompt time for the travel conditions
					 involved.
(2) The facility must be
					 served by an adequate water supply that is satisfactory and accessible for fire
					 department use as determined by the fire department serving the facility and by
					 HHSC.
(3) There must be at least
					 one readily accessible fire hydrant located within 300 feet of the building.
					 The hydrant must be on a minimum six inch service line, or else there must be
					 an approved equivalent, such as a storage tank. The hydrant, its location, and
					 service line, or equivalent must be as approved by the local fire department
					 and HHSC.
(4) The building must
					 have suitable all-weather fire lanes for access as required by local fire
					 authorities and HHSC. As a minimum, there must be access to two sides of the
					 building by an all-weather lane.