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1224.14.1 Patient Rooms

California Building Code 2016 (Vol 1 & 2) > 12 Interior Environment > 1224 [OSHPD 1] Hospitals > 1224.14 Nursing Service Space > 1224.14.1 Patient Rooms

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1224.14.1.1 Capacity

No patient room shall be designed to accommodate more than four beds.

Exception: Where renovation of existing individual patient rooms is undertaken in facilities built under the 2013, or prior, California Building Code, maximum room capacity shall be no more than the present capacity, to a maximum of eight patients per patient room. Placement of beds shall not be more than three deep from the exterior window.

1224.14.1.2 Space Requirements

In new construction, patient rooms shall have a minimum of 100 square feet (9.29 m²) of clear floor area per bed in multiple-bed rooms and 120 square feet (11.15 m²) of clear floor area for single-bed rooms. The dimensions and arrangement of rooms shall be such that there is a minimum of 3 feet (914 mm) between the sides and foot of the bed and any wall or any other fixed obstruction. In multiple-bed rooms, a minimum clearance of 3 feet (914 mm) shall be provided between beds and a clearance of 4 feet (1219 mm) shall be available at the foot of each bed to permit the passage of equipment and beds

Exception: Where renovation of existing patient rooms is undertaken in facilities built under the 2001 or prior California Building Code, patient rooms shall have no less than 80 square feet (7.43 m²) of clear floor area per bed in multiple-bed rooms and 110 square feet. (10.22 m²) of clear floor area in single-bed rooms.

1224.14.1.3 Windows

Each patient room shall have a window in accordance with Section 1224.4.9.

1224.14.1.4 Arrangement

Patient rooms shall not be designed to permit the placement of beds more than three deep from the exterior window, but shall be of such shape and dimensions to allow for the performance of routine functions, including the easy transfer of patients to and from bed to wheelchair or wheeled gurney.

1224.14.1.5 Outside Exposure

All patient bedrooms shall have an outside exposure and shall not be below ground level.

1224.14.1.6 Handwashing Stations

A handwashing station shall be provided in the patient room. This handwashing station shall be located at or adjacent to the entrance to the patient room with unobstructed access for use by health care personnel and others entering and leaving the room. Water spouts used shall have clearances adequate to avoid contaminating utensils and the contents of carafes, etc. In multiple-bed rooms the handwashing station shall be located outside of the patient's cubicle curtain so that it is immediately accessible to staff. Where renovation of patient rooms is undertaken a handwashing station shall be located in the patient toilet room or patient room.

1224.14.1.7 Toilet Room

Each patient shall have access to a toilet room without having to enter the general corridor area. One toilet room shall serve no more than four beds and no more than two patient rooms. The toilet room shall contain a water closet and a lavatory and the door shall swing outward or be double acting. Unless located in a toilet room, bedpan-washing fixtures shall be installed in dedicated rooms, separate from patient care areas.

1224.14.1.8 Patient Storage

Each patient shall have within his or her room a separate wardrobe, locker, or closet suitable for hanging full-length garments and for storing personal effects.

1224.14.1.9 Privacy

A method of assuring visual privacy for each patient shall be maintained in patient rooms and in tub, shower and toilet rooms. Windows or doors within a normal sightline that would permit observation into the room shall be arranged or curtained as necessary for patient privacy. In multiple-bed rooms, visual privacy from casual observation by other patients and visitors shall be provided for each patient. The design for privacy shall not restrict patient access to the entrance, lavatory, or toilet room.