Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 216 - Department of health › Chapter 40 - Professional licensing and facility regulation › Subchapter 10 - Facility regulation › Part 25 - Harm Reduction Centers (216-RICR-40-10-25) › Section 216-RICR-40-10-25.7 - Physical Plant and Equipment

Current through June 14, 2024
25.7.1
General
				  Provisions for Physical Center
A. Each
				  Center shall be equipped and maintained to protect the health and safety of
				  clients, personnel and the public, and to facilitate emergency exit of clients
				  and personnel in the event of emergency.
B. Each Center shall have at least the
				  following areas:
1. An intake space where
				  potential clients can learn about the Harm Reduction Center services and its
				  operation;
2. Smoking drug
				  consumption area;
3. Drug
				  consumption areas for other consumption methods; and
4. An aftercare area where clients receive
				  referrals, education, and counseling, as applicable.
C. Each area of the center must allow for
				  unimpeded, rapid access to an exit where emergency transportation vehicles may
				  be accommodated.
1. There shall be adequate
				  space for staff or volunteers to perform opioid antagonist administration and
				  artificial respiration, if necessary.
2. Hallways and doors providing access and
				  entry into the reception, drug consumption and after care areas shall be of
				  adequate width to accommodate ambulance stretchers and
				  wheelchairs.
D. The drug
				  consumption area(s) shall be spacious enough to accommodate staff to move
				  freely and include, but not be limited to:
1.
				  Mirrors strategically placed to facilitate monitoring and
				  self-injection.
2. Accessible
				  sharps and biohazardous waste disposals for each consumption station/room/booth
				  and washrooms.
3. Non-permeable,
				  non-flammable chairs, counters/tables, floor surfaces, and privacy partitions
				  that can be easily cleaned with hospital grade cleaning supplies.
a. No carpeting is permitted in the
				  Center.
b. The station/room/booth
				  must allow for observation by Center staff.
c. Handwashing stations must be readily
				  available.
4. Smoking of
				  tobacco products and drugs are only allowed in specifically designated smoking
				  areas that meet the following criteria:
a.
				  The drug consumption area must be well-ventilated with outdoor air through the
				  use of adequate mechanical ventilation that is designed to run at all times
				  that the building is occupied.
b.
				  Smoking areas must be physically separated from non-smoking areas, including
				  any staff-only areas.
c. Signs
				  shall clearly indicate what areas allow smoking and what areas are non-smoking
				  areas.
d. Smoking areas shall be
				  ventilated in such a way that the air from that area shall not enter any other
				  areas of the center.
e. The exhaust
				  system shall run at all times that the smoking area is occupied and for at
				  least one (1) hour afterwards.
f.
				  Air from smoking areas shall be exhausted outdoors to a location secure from
				  public access, such as the roof.
E. The Harm Reduction Center must have
				  adequate security policies and procedures to ensure the safety of both staff
				  and clients.
F. Acceptable toilet
				  facilities shall be available to clients and staff.
G. Secure utility and storage areas shall be
				  designed and equipped for washing, sterilizing and storage of equipment, and
				  supplies in a manner that ensures segregation of clean and sterile supplies and
				  equipment from those that are soiled and/or contaminated.
H. Heating and ventilation systems shall be
				  capable of maintaining comfortable temperatures.
I. Each Harm Reduction Center shall be
				  adequately lighted with appropriate lighting in the drug consumption area(s).
1. An emergency source of electrical lighting
				  shall be available in the event the normal electrical power is interrupted.
2. All electrical and other
				  equipment used in the Harm Reduction Center shall be maintained free of defects
				  which could be a potential hazard to clients and staff.
J. An elevator shall be available where Harm
				  Reduction Service resources are provided at different floor levels. The cab
				  size of the elevator shall be large enough to accommodate a stretcher, an
				  attendant and such equipment as may be needed.