# 8.370.16.72 NMAC: Section 72. Residents' Rooms > New Mexico · Regulations · In force URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SREGS_NM_T8_C370_P16_S72 ## Section - **Citation:** 8.370.16.72 NMAC - **Heading:** Section 72. Residents' Rooms - **Jurisdiction:** New Mexico - **Kind:** Regulations - **Status:** In force - **Text as of:** August 14, 2026 - **Source:** Compiled text - **Location:** NMAC / Title 8 (SOCIAL SERVICES) / Chapter 370 (OVERSIGHT OF LICENSED HEALTHCARE FACILITIES AND COMMUNITY BASED) / Part 16 (REQUIREMENTS FOR LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES) / Section 72 ## Text A. Assignment of residents: Residents co-habiting a double occupancy room or a ward shall be of the same sex unless residents are married, related, or are consenting adults. B. Location: No bedroom housing or resident shall: (1) Open directly to a kitchen or laundry. (2) Be located so that a person must pass through a resident's bedroom, toilet room, or bathroom to gain access to any other part of the facility. (3) Be located so that a person must pass through a kitchen or laundry to gain access to the resident's room or other part of the facility. C. Access to corridor and outside: Each bedroom shall have direct access to a corridor and outside exposure with the floor at or above grade level. D. Size: (1) The minimum floor area per bed shall be 100 square feet in single rooms and 80 square feet per bed in multiple bedrooms, exclusive of vestibule, closets, built-in vanity and wardrobe, toilet rooms and built-in lockers. The authority may waive this requirement in individual cases where the facility has demonstrated in writing that such variations are in accordance with the particular needs of the residents and will not adversely affect their health and safety. (2) Resident rooms shall be large enough to permit the sides and feet of all beds to be not less than two feet from the nearest walls. (3) Ceilings shall be at least eight feet in height. E. Windows: The bottom sill of windows in bedrooms shall be no more than three feet from the floor. F. Bed Capacity: No rooms shall house more than four beds. G. Bed arrangements: The beds shall be arranged so that the beds shall be at least three feet apart and 8.370.16 NMAC 36 clear aisle space of at least three feet from the entrance to the room to each bed shall be provided. H. Closet space: A closet or locker shall be provided for each resident in each bedroom. Closets or lockers shall afford a space of not less than 15 inches wide by 18 inches deep by five feet in height for each resident bed. I o that the beds shall be at least three feet apart and 8.370.16 NMAC 36 clear aisle space of at least three feet from the entrance to the room to each bed shall be provided. H. Closet space: A closet or locker shall be provided for each resident in each bedroom. Closets or lockers shall afford a space of not less than 15 inches wide by 18 inches deep by five feet in height for each resident bed. I. Cubicle curtains: Each bed in a multiple-bed room shall have a flame retardant or flameproof cubicle curtain or an equivalent divider that will assure resident privacy. J. Room identification: Each bedroom shall be identified with a unique number placed on or near the door. K. Design and proximity to baths: Residents' bedrooms shall be designed and equipped for adequate nursing care and the comfort and privacy of residents. Each bedroom shall have or shall be conveniently located near adequate toilet and bathing facilities. ## Nearby sections - [8.370.16.1 NMAC Section 1. Issuing Agency](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SREGS_NM_T8_C370_P16_S1.md) - [8.370.16.2 NMAC Section 2. Scope](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SREGS_NM_T8_C370_P16_S2.md) - [8.370.16.3 NMAC Section 3. Statutory Authority](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SREGS_NM_T8_C370_P16_S3.md) - [8.370.16.5 NMAC Section 5. Effective Date](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SREGS_NM_T8_C370_P16_S5.md) - [8.370.16.6 NMAC Section 6. Objective](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SREGS_NM_T8_C370_P16_S6.md) - [8.370.16.7 NMAC Section 7. Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SREGS_NM_T8_C370_P16_S7.md) - [8.370.16.8 NMAC Section 8. Licensure](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SREGS_NM_T8_C370_P16_S8.md) - [8.370.16.9 NMAC Section 9. Types Of License](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SREGS_NM_T8_C370_P16_S9.md) - [8.370.16.10 NMAC Section 10. Scope Of License](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SREGS_NM_T8_C370_P16_S10.md) - [8.370.16.11 NMAC Section 11. Separate Licenses](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SREGS_NM_T8_C370_P16_S11.md) - [8.370.16.12 NMAC Section 12. License Renewal](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SREGS_NM_T8_C370_P16_S12.md) - [8.370.16.13 NMAC Section 13. Posting](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SREGS_NM_T8_C370_P16_S13.md) - [8.370.16.14 NMAC Section 14. Report Of Changes](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SREGS_NM_T8_C370_P16_S14.md) - [8.370.16.15 NMAC Section 15. Non-Transferable Restriction On License](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SREGS_NM_T8_C370_P16_S15.md) --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SREGS_NM_T8_C370_P16_S72. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.