(1) The nursing home must provide enough electrical outlets to meet the care and personal appliance needs of each resident. An approved power tap may be used only for portable appliances with specific overcurrent protection needs, such as a computer. A "power tap" is a device for indoor use consisting of an attachment plug on the end of a flexible cord and two or more receptacles on the opposite end, with overcurrent protection. A power tap must be:
(a) Polarized or grounded;
(b) UL listed; and
(c) Directly connected to a permanently installed electrical outlet.
(2) In new construction, the nursing home must ensure:
(a) There are a minimum of seven outlets:
(i) Four hospital grade electrical outlets located convenient to each residents' bed and centered at forty to forty-four inches above the floor, with a minimum of:
(A) Two additional electrical outlets at separate, convenient locations in each resident room; and
(B) One duplex electrical outlet located adjacent to each handwashing sink intended for resident use.
(b) All electrical outlets located within five feet of any sink, toilet, bath, or shower must be protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters
18.51 and
74.42 RCW and 42 C.F.R. 489.52. WSR 08-20-062, § 388-97-3200, filed 9/24/08, effective 11/1/08.]