# 26 Tex. Admin. Code § 554.309: 26 TAC § 554.309. Other Environmental Conditions, DIVISION 2. FACILITIES LICENSED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 11, 2003 > Texas · Regulations · In force URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T26_P1_C554_S554_309 ## Section - **Citation:** 26 Tex. Admin. Code § 554.309 - **Heading:** 26 TAC § 554.309. Other Environmental Conditions, DIVISION 2. FACILITIES LICENSED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 11, 2003 - **Jurisdiction:** Texas - **Kind:** Regulations - **Status:** In force - **Text as of:** August 14, 2026 - **Source:** Compiled text - **Location:** Texas Administrative Code / Title 26 HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES / Part 1 HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION / Chapter 554 NURSING FACILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE AND MEDICAID CERTIFICATION / 26 TAC § 554.309 ## Text The facility must provide a safe, functional, sanitary, and comfortable environment for residents, staff, and the public. (1) The facility must: (A) establish procedures to ensure that water is available to essential areas when there is a loss of normal water supply; (B) have adequate outside ventilation by means of windows, mechanical ventilation, or a combination of the two; (C) maintain an effective pest control program so that the facility is free of pests and rodents; and (D) equip corridors with firmly secured handrails on each side on all wall segments 18 inches in length or longer. These rails must be substantially anchored to withstand downward force and must be mounted 33 to 36 inches from the floor. (2) No occupancies or activities undesirable to the health, safety, or well-being of residents will be located in the facility. (3) An electric water cooler or water fountain must be accessible to residents. When new drinking fountains are provided, at least one must be installed to be accessible to persons in wheelchairs. (4) Public toilets with sanitary hand-washing and drying provisions must be provided or designated. (5) If deodorant is used for air-freshening purposes, the following procedures must apply: (A) deodorants or air fresheners are permitted provided the dispensing device is located where it is inaccessible to residents; (B) these products are not used to cover odors resulting from poor housekeeping practices or unsanitary conditions; (C) these products are not used in excess; (D) there is no contra-indication on the label of the product indicating that the product should not be used in the presence of persons who are older or ill; and (E) devices, such as ozone generators, ultra-violet generators, and smoke eliminators, must be approved by HHSC. (6) Permanently mounted hold-open devices to expedite emergency egress and prevent accidental lock-out must be provided for exterior doors. ## Nearby sections - [26 Tex. Admin. Code § 554.300 26 TAC § 554.300. General Requirements, DIVISION 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T26_P1_C554_S554_300.md) - [26 Tex. Admin. Code § 554.301 26 TAC § 554.301. Definitions, DIVISION 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T26_P1_C554_S554_301.md) - [26 Tex. Admin. Code § 554.302 26 TAC § 554.302. Applicable Codes and Standards, DIVISION 2. FACILITIES LICENSED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 11, 2003](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T26_P1_C554_S554_302.md) - [26 Tex. Admin. Code § 554.303 26 TAC § 554.303. Emergency Power, DIVISION 2. FACILITIES LICENSED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 11, 2003](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T26_P1_C554_S554_303.md) - [26 Tex. Admin. Code § 554.304 26 TAC § 554.304. Space and Equipment, DIVISION 2. FACILITIES LICENSED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 11, 2003](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T26_P1_C554_S554_304.md) - [26 Tex. Admin. Code § 554.305 26 TAC § 554.305. Resident Rooms, DIVISION 2. FACILITIES LICENSED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 11, 2003](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T26_P1_C554_S554_305.md) - [26 Tex. Admin. Code § 554.306 26 TAC § 554.306. Toilet Facilities, DIVISION 2. FACILITIES LICENSED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 11, 2003](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T26_P1_C554_S554_306.md) - [26 Tex. Admin. Code § 554.307 26 TAC § 554.307. Resident Call System, DIVISION 2. FACILITIES LICENSED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 11, 2003](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T26_P1_C554_S554_307.md) - [26 Tex. Admin. Code § 554.308 26 TAC § 554.308. Dining and Resident Activities, DIVISION 2. FACILITIES LICENSED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 11, 2003](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T26_P1_C554_S554_308.md) - [26 Tex. Admin. Code § 554.309 26 TAC § 554.309. Other Environmental Conditions, DIVISION 2. FACILITIES LICENSED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 11, 2003](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T26_P1_C554_S554_309.md) - [26 Tex. Admin. Code § 554.310 26 TAC § 554.310. Site and Grounds, DIVISION 2. FACILITIES LICENSED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 11, 2003](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T26_P1_C554_S554_310.md) - [26 Tex. Admin. Code § 554.311 26 TAC § 554.311. Fire Service and Access, DIVISION 2. FACILITIES LICENSED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 11, 2003](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T26_P1_C554_S554_311.md) - [26 Tex. Admin. Code § 554.313 26 TAC § 554.313. Interior Finishes--Walls, Ceilings, and Floors, DIVISION 2. FACILITIES LICENSED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 11, 2003](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T26_P1_C554_S554_313.md) - [26 Tex. Admin. Code § 554.314 26 TAC § 554.314. Fire Alarms, Detection Systems, and Sprinkler Systems, DIVISION 2. FACILITIES LICENSED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 11, 2003](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T26_P1_C554_S554_314.md) --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T26_P1_C554_S554_309. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.