[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 42, Volume 4]

[Revised as of October 1, 2006]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 42CFR485.723]



[Page 635-636]

 

                         TITLE 42--PUBLIC HEALTH

 

  CHAPTER IV--CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF 

                  HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED)

 

PART 485_CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION: SPECIALIZED PROVIDERS--Table of 

 

   Subpart H_Conditions of Participation for Clinics, Rehabilitation 

Agencies, and Public Health Agencies as Providers of Outpatient Physical 

             Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology Services

 

Sec.  485.723  Condition of participation: Physical environment.



    The building housing the organization is constructed, equipped, and 

maintained to protect the health and safety of patients, personnel, and 

the public and provides a functional, sanitary, and comfortable 

environment.

    (a) Standard: Safety of patients. The organization satisfies the 

following requirements:

    (1) It complies with all applicable State and local building, fire, 

and safety codes.

    (2) Permanently attached automatic fire-extinguishing systems of 

adequate capacity are installed in all areas of the premises considered 

to have special fire hazards. Fire extinguishers are conveniently 

located on each floor of the premises. Fire regulations are prominently 

posted.

    (3) Doorways, passageways and stairwells negotiated by patients are:

    (i) Of adequate width to allow for easy movement of all patients 

(including those on stretchers or in wheelchairs), (ii) free from 

obstruction at all times, and (iii) in the case of stairwells, equipped 

with firmly attached handrails on at least one side.

    (4) Lights are placed at exits and in corridors used by patients and 

are supported by an emergency power source.

    (5) A fire alarm system with local alarm capability and, where 

applicable, an emergency power source, is functional.

    (6) At least two persons are on duty on the premises of the 

organization whenever a patient is being treated.

    (7) No occupancies or activities undesirable or injurious to the 

health and safety of patients are located in the building.

    (b) Standard: Maintenance of equipment, building, and grounds. The 

organization establishes a written preventive-maintenance program to 

ensure that--

    (1) The equipment is operative, and is properly calibrated; and

    (2) The interior and exterior of the building are clean and orderly 

and maintained free of any defects that are a potential hazard to 

patients, personnel, and the public.

    (c) Standard: Other environmental considerations. The organization 

provides a functional, sanitary, and comfortable environment for 

patients, personnel, and the public.

    (1) Provision is made for adequate and comfortable lighting levels 

in all areas; limitation of sounds at comfort levels; a comfortable room 

temperature; and adequate ventilation through



[[Page 636]]



windows, mechanical means, or a combination of both.

    (2) Toilet rooms, toilet stalls, and lavatories are accessible and 

constructed so as to allow use by nonambulatory and semiambulatory 

individuals.

    (3) Whatever the size of the building, there is an adequate amount 

of space for the services provided and disabilities treated, including 

reception area, staff space, examining room, treatment areas, and 

storage.



[41 FR 20865, May 21, 1976. Redesignated at 42 FR 52826, Sept. 30, 1977. 

Further redesignated and amended at 60 FR 2326-2328, Jan. 9, 1995]