Section 21.27. Domiciliary care home certification and recertification standards

To become certified and to retain certification as a domiciliary care home, a domiciliary care home shall meet the basic standards in this section, as determined by the AAA from a site inspection and review of relevant documentation, in conjunction with other appropriate agencies or organizations. Domiciliary care homes with four or more clients shall meet the special recertification standards in § 21.30 (relating to special program and recertification standards for domiciliary care homes with four or more clients).

(1) The home shall be a fixed, individual, private, noncommercial household or family dwelling.

(2) The home shall be the residence of the provider, the residence of the prospective provider or the intended residence of the prospective provider, and may not have residing within it a person who is an employe of an AAA.

(3) The building in which the home is to be located shall meet applicable Federal, State and local statutes and regulations pertaining to zoning, health and safety.

(4) The building in which the home is to be located shall be in good general repair and free of hazards, such as loose or broken window glass, loose or cracked floor coverings, and have no infestation of insects, rodents or other vermin.

(5) If the home uses water which is obtained from a private source, such as a well, spring or cistern, the source may not be polluted or contaminated nor may it be situated, constructed or maintained so that it may become polluted or contaminated or rendered injurious to health, and the water shall be approved as meeting Commonwealth water quality standards.

(6) The home shall have an adequate supply of piped hot and cold water to bathroom, kitchen and laundry equipment, and may not have hot water exceeding 130°F which would be accessible to clients.

(7) The home shall utilize a public sewerage system where one is available, or if a public system is not available, sewage shall be disposed under 25 Pa. Code Chapter 73 (relating to standards for onlot sewage treatment facilities).

(8) The home may not have exposed heating pipes, hot water pipes or radiators which have a temperature exceeding 110°F, in rooms and areas to be used by clients. If these items are located in areas accessible to clients and have temperatures exceeding 110°F, the radiators shall be covered with protective covers and the heating pipes with insulation.

(9) If the home uses woodburning or coal burning stoves, the stoves shall meet applicable local enforcement codes and be installed using permanent connections.

(10) Stairways shall have securely fastened handrails and nonskid surfaces, such as stairtreads, carpeting and the like. Stair coverings shall be securely fastened.

(11) The home shall have a heating system which has the capacity to maintain a temperature of at least 70°F without the use of portable space heaters.

(12) The home shall have been inspected and approved by the local fire department or other qualified agency or individual for fire safety, and it shall meet the requirements in § 21.79 (relating to fire and safety activities).

(13) The home shall have available adequate artificial lighting which is restricted to electrical lighting.

(14) The home shall have a minimum of one operational smoke detector on each occupied floor, plus one in the basement area.

(15) The home shall have space which would be available for storage of the clients’ personal property, such as trunks, suitcases and seasonal clothing.

(16) Each room to be used by clients in the home shall have at least one unobstructed exit path.

(17) The home shall have a living room or recreational area with adequate space which would be available to clients. These areas shall, at least in combination, be large enough to comfortably accommodate all residents at the same time.

(18) The home shall have a dining room or dining area which is properly equipped with items necessary for proper food service. Items of equipment include tables, chairs and utensils for drinking, eating, preparing and serving food and drink. These items shall be furnished in quantities sufficient to serve all residents at the same time.

(19) The home shall have a clean kitchen with working appliances necessary for the preparation of nutritious meals.

(20) The home shall have at least one fully-equipped and operational indoor bathroom which is readily accessible to, and available for use by, clients.

(21) The home shall have bedrooms which meet the following standards:

(i) Bedrooms to be used by clients shall be located on floor levels not more than one story above an exit.

(ii) Bedrooms to be used by clients shall be limited to either single or double occupancy and shall have space which is adequate for a safe and comfortable living environment.

(iii) Bedrooms to be used by clients shall have adequate ventilation and at least one window with direct outside exposure to provide unobstructed natural light.

(iv) Windows in bedrooms to be used by clients shall have adequate covering to ensure the privacy of clients.

Notation

Cross References

This section cited in 6 Pa. Code § 21.28 (relating to provider application and home certification process); 6 Pa. Code § 21.29 (relating to redetermination of provider eligibility and recertification of domiciliary care homes); 6 Pa. Code § 21.30 (relating to special program and recertification standards for domiciliary care homes with four or more clients); 6 Pa. Code § 21.31 (relating to provisional certifications); 6 Pa. Code § 21.52 (relating to AAA service responsibilities); 6 Pa. Code § 21.54 (relating to AAA care plan responsibilities); 6 Pa. Code § 21.55 (relating to AAA placement activities); 6 Pa. Code § 21.74 (relating to basic furnishings); and 6 Pa. Code § 21.79 (relating to fire and safety activities).