§ 6400.81. Individual bedrooms.
(a) An individual’s bedroom may not be located in basements. Any level from which there is a standard door leading from that level directly outside to grade level is not considered a basement.
(b) Apartment units that are located partially below ground level with windows that are at least as large as other windows in the building are permitted.
(c) An individual sharing a bedroom shall have a minimum of 60 square feet of bedroom space, measured wall to wall, including space occupied by furniture. Each individual occupying a single bedroom shall have a minimum of 80 square feet of bedroom space, measured wall to wall, including space occupied by furniture.
(d) An individual who uses a wheelchair shall have a minimum of 100 square feet of bedroom space unless there is written documentation by a licensed physical or occupational therapist that the individual has the ability to move about the bedroom within 80 square feet for single bedrooms or 60 square feet for shared bedrooms. This subsection does not apply to bedrooms occupied by an individual who uses a wheelchair in homes licensed in accordance with this chapter prior to November 8, 1991.
(e) No more than two individuals may sleep in one bedroom. This subsection does not apply to bedrooms occupied by more than two individuals in homes licensed in accordance with this chapter prior to November 8, 1991.
(f) Each bedroom shall have direct access to a corridor, living area, dining area or outdoors.
(g) A bedroom may not be used by other individuals or staff persons as a regular or frequent passageway to another part of the home or to the outdoors.
(h) Each bedroom shall have at least one exterior window that permits a view of the outside.
(i) Bedroom windows shall have drapes, curtains, shades, blinds or shutters.
(j) A bedroom shall have doors at all entrances for privacy.
(k) In bedrooms, each individual shall have the following:
(1) A bed of size appropriate to the needs of the individual. Cots and portable beds are not permitted. Bunkbeds are not permitted for individuals 18 years of age or older.
(2) A clean, comfortable mattress and solid foundation.
(3) Bedding, including pillow, linens and blankets appropriate for the season.
(4) A chest of drawers.
(5) Closet or wardrobe space with clothing racks and shelves accessible to the individual.
(6) A mirror.
(l) Beds and cribs, with solid sides over 12 inches high or with closed domes or tops, are not permitted.
(m) An individual 10 years of age or older may not be required to share a bedroom with a person of the opposite sex.
Source The provisions of this § 6400.81 amended through January 22, 1982, effective March 1, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 384; amended August 9, 1991, effective November 8, 1991, 21 Pa.B. 3595. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (133683).
Cross References This section cited in 55 Pa. Code § 6400.261 (relating to exceptions for respite care); and 55 Pa. Code § 6400.262 (relating to exceptions for emergency respite care).
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