Sec.19a-495-560. Licensing of private freestanding community residences

(a) Applicability. This section applies only to community residences as that term is used in Sections 8-3g, 19a-495 (c), and 19a-507a of the Connecticut General Statutes.

(b) Definitions.

(1) "Community residence" means a community residence as defined in the General Statutes of Connecticut, Section 19a-507a (4).

(2) "Mentally ill adult" means a mentally ill adult as defined in the General Statutes of Connecticut, Section 19a-507a (1).

(3) "Regional mental health board" means a regional mental health board, as defined in the General Statutes of Connecticut, Section 17-226j.

(4) "Regional mental health director" means a director appointed by the commissioner of mental health under the General Statutes of Connecticut, Section 17-226g.

(c) Standards and Requirements.

(1) Each community residence shall conform to the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, Section 19a-495-551 and shall comply with the General Statutes of Connecticut, Sections 19a-507a, 19a-507b, 19a-507c and 19a-507d. In addition, such community residence shall comply with the additional requirements described herein. Where conflicts in the regulations exist, the more stringent shall apply.

(2) Population to be served. Each community residence shall develop and implement a policy and procedure which shall limit admissions in accordance with the General Statutes of Connecticut, Section 19a-507a.

(3) Medication Control. Each community residence shall include a provision in medication control policies and procedures for assuring each residents' compliance with their individually prescribed medication regimes.

(4) Staffing. Each community residence shall have a minimum overall ratio of total number of staff to residents of at least 1:4.

(5) Program goals and objectives. Each community residence shall conduct a program evaluation on a semi-annual basis. Documentation of the date that the review was conducted, the names of the persons performing the review and content of the review shall be maintained.

(6) Administration. Each community residence shall maintain a copy of the Department of Mental Health evaluation findings and shall document action taken by the residence as a result of these findings.

(7) Human Rights. Each community residence shall post in a conspicuous place the names, addresses and telephone numbers of those federal, state or local agencies for residents to refer complaints regarding violations of human rights.

(8) Services to be offered. Each community residence shall provide those services as defined in the General Statutes of Connecticut, Section 19a-507a (4).

(9) Fire Safety.

(A) If the basement area is to be used for client recreation, a second means of exit shall be provided from the basement area exclusive of a hatchway.

(B) A source of continuous illumination not less than five (5) foot candles shall be provided in all exit access corridors.

(C) Emergency lighting shall be provided on each level/floor to illuminate the way to the exitways.

(D) Wall mounted portable extinguishers shall be located on each level of the residence.

(E) If a fireplace is to be used, its opening shall be enclosed with an approved tempered glass screen. The opening shall be permanently sealed if an existing fireplace is not to be used.

(10) Physical Plant. All bathroom electrical receptacles shall be of ground fault interrupter type.

(11) Maintenance. Records of all major maintenance programs undertaken shall be retained for a period of three years.

(Effective December 23, 1987)