1224.33.2.7 Observation Area

A patient cubicle with a minimum clear floor area of 100 square feet (9.29 m²) shall be provided under the visual control of an emergency service staff work area. The patient station shall have space at bedside for visitors and shall have provision for visual privacy from casual observation by other patients and visitors. A handwashing station shall be located in each room, and at least one handwashing station shall be provided for every four patient stations, and for each major fraction thereof, in open-bay areas. These shall be uniformly distributed to provide equal access from each patient station.

Exception: For small and rural hospitals, the observation area need not be dedicated solely for that purpose.