A nursing home must provide a safe, protected outdoor area for resident use. The nursing home must ensure the outdoor area has:

(1) Shaded and sheltered areas to meet residents needs;

(2) Accessible walking surfaces which are firm, stable, and free from cracks and abrupt changes with a maximum of one inch between sidewalk and adjoining landscape areas;

(3) Sufficient space and outdoor furniture provided with flexibility in arrangement of the furniture to accommodate residents who use wheelchairs and mobility aids;

(4) Shrubs, natural foliage, and trees; and

(5) If used as a resident courtyard, the outdoor area must not be used for public or service deliveries.