WAC 246-322-140. Patient living areas

WashingtonRegulations

Ask Donna

How this section applies to your facts.

Washington Administrative Code › Title 246 › Chapter 246-322 › Section 246-322-140

This text was captured on Aug 14, 2026. It is a snapshot, not a live feed, so check the official code before relying on it.

Text

The licensee shall:

(1) Provide patient sleeping rooms with:

(a) A minimum of eighty square feet of useable floor space in a single bedroom;

(b) A minimum of seventy square feet of useable floor space per bed in a multipatient room;

(c) A minimum ceiling height of seven feet six inches over the required floor area;

(d) A maximum capacity of four patients;

(e) A floor elevation no lower than three feet six inches below grade, with grade extending horizontally ten or more feet from the building;

(f) A clear window area on an outside wall equal to or greater than one-tenth the floor area with a minimum of ten square feet;

(g) Only security or maximum security windows;

(h) Direct access to and from a corridor, common-use activity room, or other common-use area;

(i) Sufficient room furnishings maintained in safe and clean condition including:

(i) A bed for each patient at least thirty-six inches wide or appropriate to the special needs and size of the patient;

(ii) A cleanable, firm mattress; and

(iii) A cleanable or disposable pillow; and

(j) At least three feet between beds, and adequate space between furnishings to allow easy entrance, exit, and traffic flow within the room;

(k) A means to assure patient privacy when appropriate;

(2) Provide, in addition to the requirements in subsection (1) of this section, when security rooms are used:

(a) Security or maximum security windows appropriate to the area and program;

(b) Furnishings, equipment and design for maximum safety and security;

(c) Shielded and tamper-resistant lighting fixtures and electrical outlets;

(d) A door lockable from the outside; and

ivacy when appropriate;

(2) Provide, in addition to the requirements in subsection (1) of this section, when security rooms are used:

(a) Security or maximum security windows appropriate to the area and program;

(b) Furnishings, equipment and design for maximum safety and security;

(c) Shielded and tamper-resistant lighting fixtures and electrical outlets;

(d) A door lockable from the outside; and

(e) Provisions for authorized staff to observe occupants;

(3) Provide an enclosed space within the patient sleeping room, or nearby, suitable for each patient to hang garments, and store clothing and personal belongings;

(4) Provide secure storage for each patient's valuables in the patient sleeping room or conveniently available elsewhere in the hospital;

(5) Provide a dining area for patients in a community setting with furnishings appropriate for dining;

(6) Provide and maintain a safe area or areas for patient recreation and physical activity equal to or greater than twenty square feet for each licensed bed space;

(7) Provide a visiting area allowing privacy for patients and visitors;

(8) Provide a readily available telephone for patients to make and receive confidential calls; and

(9) Provide a "nonpay" telephone or equivalent communication device readily accessible on each patient occupied floor for emergency use.

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.

A word about cookies

We need a few to keep you signed in and the library working. The rest help us see which pages people use and where they get stuck. They stay off unless you say yes.