(1) Selection of a location for a center must be based on information about potential participants in the service area and be made in consultation with other agencies, organizations, and institutions serving older individuals and those with functional impairments, as well as considering the availability of a suitable location.

(2) Centers must have available a current floor plan of the facility indicating usage of space with interior measurements, building inspection report from the local, city or county, building department, if applicable, fire department inspection report, and the local health department kitchen inspection report and permit if operating an on-site kitchen.

(3) When possible, the facility should be located at street level. If the facility is not located at street level, it is essential to have a ramp and/or elevators. All new adult day service centers contracted with the department after February 1, 2014 must have a ramp, at least a 1:12 slope, for emergency evacuation if the center has any steps or stairs to be navigated during an emergency evacuation. An evacuation plan for relocation of participants to another building must also be in place in the event of an emergency. The center must post a floor plan of the center and indicate the evacuation route from each room to the outside meeting place.

(4) Each adult day center co-located in a facility housing other services must have its own separate identifiable space for main activity areas during operational hours. Certain space can be shared, such as the kitchen and therapy rooms.

(5) Each center must provide appropriate hardware on doors of storage rooms, closets, bathrooms, and other rooms to prevent participants from being accidentally locked in.

(6) When possible, the location should be within a transit authority's core service area.

(7) The facility must have:

(a) Sufficient space to accommodate a full range of programs and activities necessary for participant needs;

(b) Be adaptable to accommodate variations of activities for group and individual services;

(c) Maintain essential space when providing services to protect the privacy and dignity of each participant in a respectful manner;

(d) Sufficient space available for private discussions; and

(e) Private and designated space allowing staff to work without interruption.

(8) The facility must provide at least sixty square feet of program space for multipurpose use for each day center participant. In determining adequate square footage, only those activity areas commonly used by participants are to be included. Hallways, dining and kitchen areas are to be included only if these areas are used by clients for activities other than meals. Reception or lobby areas, storage areas, offices, restrooms, passageways, treatment rooms, service areas, or specialized spaces used only for therapies are not to be included when calculating square footage.

(9) Storage space.

(a) There must be adequate storage space for program and operating supplies.

(b) Toxic substances, whether for activities or cleaning, must be stored in an area not accessible to participants. Substances must be clearly marked, the contents identified, and stored in original containers.

(10) Restrooms.

(a) The facility's restrooms must be located as near the activity area as possible, preferably no more than forty feet away. The facility must include at least one toilet for every ten participants. The facility must provide privacy for the participant when using the restroom facilities.

(b) Programs that have a large number of participants who require more scheduled toileting or assistance with toileting must have at least one toilet for every eight participants.

(c) The toilets shall be equipped for use by mobility-limited persons and easily accessible from all program areas. One toilet area should be designed to allow assistance from one or two staff. More accessible units may be required based upon the needs of the participants.

(d) Each restroom must contain an adequate supply of soap, toilet tissues, and paper towels.

(e) After month/day/year all newly contracted adult day service facilities or contracted adult day service providers opening another site must have at least one roll in shower for participant use. Showers are to be accessible to those who require bathing as an ADC service.

(11) Rest area.

(a) In addition to space for program activities, the facility must have a designated rest area which provides privacy and maintains dignity for participants who become ill, disruptive, or who may require rest. The designated space must not be used for discipline or staff convenience.

(b) The rest area must be located away from activity areas and near a restroom and the nurse's office. There must be at least one bed, couch, or recliner for every ten participants that can be used for resting or the isolation of a participant who is ill or suspected of coming down with a communicable disease.

(c) If beds are used, the mattresses and pillow must be protected, cleaned and disinfected after each participant use. The bed linens must be clean and changed after each use by different participants to prevent the spread of infection.

(12) Loading zones/parking/entrances/exits.

(a) A loading zone with sufficient space for getting in and out of a vehicle must be available for the safe arrival and departure of participants and the use of emergency personnel.

(b) There must be sufficient parking available to accommodate family caregivers, visitors, and staff.

(c) When necessary, arrangements must be made with local authorities to provide safety zones for those arriving by motor vehicle and adequate traffic signals for people entering and exiting the facility.

(d) Adequate lighting must be provided in all loading and parking zones, entrances, and exits.

(e) An adult day center must be visible and recognizable as a part of the community. The entrance to the facility must be clearly identified. The center must also be appealing and protective to participants and others.

(f) At least two well-identified exits must be accessible from the building.

(13) Atmosphere and design.

(a) The center's design must facilitate the participants' movement throughout the facility and encourage involvement in activities and services.

(b) The environment must reinforce orientation and awareness of the surroundings by providing cues and information about specific rooms, locations, and functions that help the participant to get his/her orientation to time and space.

(c) A facility must be architecturally designed in conformance with the requirements of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act to accommodate individuals with a disability and meet any state and local barrier-free requirements.

(d) Illumination levels in all areas must be adequate, and careful attention must be given to avoiding glare. Attention must be paid to lighting in transitional areas, such as outside to inside and between different areas of the facility.

(e) Sound transmission must be controlled. Excessive noise, such as fan noise, must be avoided.

(f) Comfortable conditions must be maintained within a comfortable temperature range. Excessive drafts must be avoided uniformly throughout the facility.

(g) Sufficient furniture must be available for the entire population present. Furnishings must accommodate the needs of participants and be attractive, comfortable, sturdy, clean and safe. Straight-backed chairs with arms must be used during activities and meals.

(h) A telephone must be available for participant use. Local calls are to be available at no cost to the participant.

(14) Safety and sanitation.

(a) The facility and grounds must be safe, clean, and accessible to all participants, and must be designed, constructed, and maintained in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal health and safety regulations.

(b) Nonslip surfaces must be provided on stairs, ramps, and interior floors.

(c) Alarm/warning systems are necessary to ensure the safety of the participants in the facility in order to alert staff to potentially dangerous situations. This system needs to be activated when the center's staff have determined a participant has a potential safety issue of wandering. It is recommended that call bells be installed or placed in the rest areas, restroom stalls, and showers.

(d) An emergency evacuation plan with outside meeting location at a safe distance from the building must be strategically posted in each facility so that all participants, staff, and visitors can view it. If the center provides services to primarily non-English speaking clients the evacuation plan must also contain instructions in the primary language used by clients of the center. The center's emergency disaster plan must be readily available to all staff and reviewed routinely to ensure a safe and secure environment during a disaster.

(e) The facility must be free of hazards, such as high steps, steep grades, and exposed electrical cords. Steps and curbs must be painted and the edges of stairs marked appropriately to highlight them. All steps, stairs, ramps, and bathrooms accessible to those with disabilities must be equipped with securely anchored handrails on both sides.

(f) Emergency first-aid kits and manuals must be visible and accessible to staff. Contents of the kits must be replenished after use and reviewed as needed.

(g) Maintenance and housekeeping must be carried out on a regular schedule and in conformity with generally accepted sanitation standards, without interfering with the program.

(h) If smoking is permitted, the center must follow chapter 70.160 RCW, Smoking in public places.