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D.C. Municipal Regulations (Last Updated: September 13, 2017) |
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Title 22. HEALTH |
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SubTilte 22-A. MENTAL HEALTH |
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Chapter 22-A63. CERTIFICATION STANDARDS FOR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT AND RECOVERY PROVIDERS |
Section 22-A6314. FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
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6314.1 A provider shall establish and maintain a safe environment for its operation, including adhering to the following provisions:
(a) Each provider's service site(s) shall be located and designed to provide adequate and appropriate facilities for private, confidential individual and group counseling sessions;
(b) Each provider's service site(s) shall have appropriate space for group activities and educational programs;
(c) In-office waiting time shall be less than one (1) hour from the scheduled appointment time. Each program shall also demonstrate that it can document the time period for in-office waiting;
(d) Each provider shall comply with applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act in all business locations;
(e) Each service site shall be located within reasonable walking distance of public transportation;
(f) Providers shall maintain fire safety equipment and establish practices to protect all occupants. This shall include clearly visible fire extinguishers, with a charge, that are inspected annually by a qualified service company or trained staff member; and
(g) Each provider shall annually obtain a written certificate of compliance from the District of Columbia Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services indicating that all applicable fire and safety code requirements have been satisfied for each facility.
6314.2 Each window that opens shall have a screen.
6314.3 Each rug or carpet in a facility shall be securely fastened to the floor or shall have a non-skid pad.
6314.4 Each hallway, porch, stairway, stairwell, and basement shall be kept free from any obstruction at all times.
6314.5 Each ramp or stairway used by a client shall be equipped with a firmly secured handrail or banister.
6314.6 Each provider shall maintain a clean environment free of infestation and in good physical condition, and each facility shall be appropriately equipped and furnished for the services delivered.
6314.7 Each provider shall properly maintain the outside and yard areas of the premises in a clean and safe condition.
6314.8 Each exterior stairway, landing, and sidewalk used by clients shall be kept free of snow and ice.
6314.9 Each facility shall be located in an area reasonably free from noxious odors, hazardous smoke and fumes, and where interior sounds may be maintained at reasonably comfortable levels.
6314.10 A provider shall take necessary measures to ensure pest control, including:
(a) Refuse shall be stored in covered containers that do not create a nuisance or health hazard; and
(b) Recycling, composting, and garbage disposal shall not create a nuisance, permit transmission of disease, or create a breeding place for insects or rodents.
6314.11 A provider shall ensure that medical waste is stored, collected, transported, and disposed of in accordance with applicable District and Federal laws and guidelines from the CDC.
6314.12 Each provider shall ensure that its facilities have comfortable lighting, proper ventilation, and moisture and temperature control. Rooms shall be dry and the temperature shall be maintained within a normal comfort range, including bedrooms and activity rooms below ground level.
6314.13 Each facility shall have potable water available for each client.
6314.14 No smoking shall be allowed inside a program’s facility.
6314.15 Providers’ physical design and structure shall be sufficient to accommodate staff, participants, and functions of the program(s), and shall make available the following:
(a) A reception area;
(b) Private areas for individual treatment services;
(c) A private area(s) for group counseling and other group activities;
(d) An area(s) for dining, if applicable; and
(e) Separate bathrooms and/or toilet facilities in accordance with District law where the:
(1) Required path of travel to the bathroom shall not be through another bedroom;
(2) Windows and doors provide privacy; and
(3) Showers and toilets not intended for individual use provide privacy.
6314.16 If activity space is used for purposes not related to the program’s mission, the program shall ensure that:
(a) The quality of services are not reduced;
(b) Activity space in use by other programs shall not be counted as part of the required activity space; and
(c) Client confidentiality is protected, as required by 42 C.F.R. part 2 and other applicable Federal and District laws and regulations.
6314.17 The use of appliances such as televisions, radios, CD players, recorders and other electronic devices shall not interfere with the therapeutic program.
6314.18 Each facility shall maintain an adequately supplied first-aid kit which:
(a)Shall be maintained in a place known and readily accessible to clients and employees; and
(b)Shall be adequate for the number of persons in the facility.
6314.19 Each provider shall post emergency numbers near its telephones for fire, police, and poison control, along with contact information and directions to the nearest hospital.
6314.20 A provider shall have an interim plan addressing safety and continued service delivery during construction.
6314.21 Residential treatment and recovery programs shall comply with all applicable construction codes and housing codes and zoning requirements applicable to the facility, including all Certificate of Occupancy, Basic Business License (BBL) and Construction Permit requirements.
6314.22 Each newly established Residential treatment and recovery program shall provide proof of a satisfactory pre-certification inspection by DCRA for initial certification, dated not more than forty-five (45) days prior to the date of submission to DBH, for District of Columbia Property Maintenance Code (12-G DCMR) and Housing Code (14 DCMR) compliance, including documentation of the inspection date and findings and proof of abatement certified by DCRA of all deficiencies identified during the inspection. This requirement can be met by submission of a Certificate of Occupancy or a BBL dated within the past six (6) months, provided that that applicant can demonstrate that DCRA performed an onsite inspection of the premises.
6314.23 For existing residential treatment and recovery programs that are applying for re-certification, the applicants shall also provide proof of current BBLs.
6314.24 For both initial certification and re-certification, if the facility has had work done requiring a DCRA building permit or other related permits such as plumbing or electrical within the twelve (12) months prior to application for initial certification or re-certification, the applicant shall also submit copies of the DCRA permits and post-work inspection approvals.