# WAC 246-322-140: WAC 246-322-140. Patient living areas

> Washington · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_322_140

## Section

- **Citation:** WAC 246-322-140
- **Heading:** WAC 246-322-140. Patient living areas
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Administrative Code / Title 246 / Chapter 246-322 / Section 246-322-140

## 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.

## Nearby sections

- [WAC 246-322-010 WAC 246-322-010. Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_322_010.md)
- [WAC 246-322-020 WAC 246-322-020. Licensure — Initial, renewal, modifications](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_322_020.md)
- [WAC 246-322-025 WAC 246-322-025. Responsibilities and rights — Licensee and department](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_322_025.md)
- [WAC 246-322-030 WAC 246-322-030. Criminal history, disclosure, and background inquiries](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_322_030.md)
- [WAC 246-322-035 WAC 246-322-035. Policies and procedures](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_322_035.md)
- [WAC 246-322-040 WAC 246-322-040. Governing body and administration](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_322_040.md)
- [WAC 246-322-050 WAC 246-322-050. Staff](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_322_050.md)
- [WAC 246-322-100 WAC 246-322-100. Infection control](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_322_100.md)
- [WAC 246-322-120 WAC 246-322-120. Physical environment](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_322_120.md)
- [WAC 246-322-140 WAC 246-322-140. Patient living areas](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_322_140.md)
- [WAC 246-322-150 WAC 246-322-150. Clinical facilities](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_322_150.md)
- [WAC 246-322-160 WAC 246-322-160. Bathrooms, toilet rooms and handwashing sinks](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_322_160.md)
- [WAC 246-322-170 WAC 246-322-170. Patient care services](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_322_170.md)
- [WAC 246-322-180 WAC 246-322-180. Patient safety and seclusion care](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_322_180.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_322_140. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.
