Section 441.113.5. Physical standards.

         113.5(1) General standards. The foster home shall be safe, clean, well ventilated, properly lighted, properly heated, and free from vermin and rodents to ensure the well-being of the foster children residing in the home.

         113.5(2) Grounds.

            a.               There shall be safe outdoor space provided according to the age and developmental needs of the foster child for active play. The area available shall be documented in the case record.

            b.               The foster child shall be protected against hazards including, but not limited to, traffic, pools, railroads, waste material, and contaminated water.

         113.5(3) Bedrooms for foster children.

            a.               Bedrooms shall either have been constructed for the purpose of providing sleeping accommodation or remodeled for sleeping to provide proper heat and ventilation. Bedroom additions to a home shall meet building code requirements. All bedrooms used by foster children must have:

             (1)             Permanent walls;

             (2)             A door that closes;

             (3)             An unobstructed, operable window that opens from the inside;

             (4)             A closet, wardrobe, armoire, or dresser; and

             (5)             A standard bed, or a crib for infants and toddlers who cannot safely use a standard bed.

            b.               The minimum bedroom area per child shall be 40 square feet. However, the service area manager or designee may approve a smaller room size when approval is in the best interest of specific children placed or to be placed in the home. Such approvals shall:

             (1)             Be in writing;

             (2)             Contain the names and birth dates of the children for whom issued; and

             (3)             Be reviewed at each license renewal.

            c.               When bedrooms meet only minimum requirements, the home shall provide additional room in other parts of the home for study and play.

            d.               The ceiling height for bedrooms shall be adequate for the child.

            e.               Bedrooms belowground shall:

             (1)             Be free from excessive dampness, noxious gases, and objectionable odors;

             (2)             Have access to at least one direct exit to the outside from the level belowground and one inside stairway exit from the level belowground;

             (3)             Have an egress window with a clear opening area with an opening height of 24 inches and an opening width of 20 inches or an opening height of 20 inches and an opening width of 24 inches;

             (4)             Have provisions, such as a ladder or steps, to ensure that the foster child can safely reach the window if the finished sill height is more than 44 inches above the floor and that the foster child can safely reach ground level if there is a window well that has a depth of 44 inches or higher;

             (5)             Have a finished ceiling; and

             (6)             Have a covered floor.

         113.5(4) All rooms aboveground. Rescinded IAB 10/3/12, effective 12/1/12.

         113.5(5) Rooms belowground. Rescinded IAB 10/3/12, effective 12/1/12.

         113.5(6) Physical care standards for foster children.

            a.               Grouping children in bedrooms shall take into consideration the age and sex of children.

             (1)             Children over 6 years of age shall not share a bedroom with a child of the opposite sex.

             (2)             Foster children over the age of 2 shall not share a bedroom with any person over the age of 18 in the home unless approved by the social work administrator or designee.

             (3)             Foster children shall not share a bed with any other child.

            b.               Foster parents shall have a designated bedroom. Children 2 years of age or older shall be provided bedroom space other than in the foster parents’ bedroom. Foster children under the age of 2 may share a bedroom with the foster parent.

            c.               There shall be provisions for isolating from other children, a child who is ill or suspected of having a contagious disease.

            d.               The foster home shall provide food with good nutritional content and in sufficient quantity to meet the individual needs of the children.

            e.               Linens shall be changed at least weekly and more frequently for children with bladder or bowel control problems.

            f.                Waterproof mattress covers shall be provided for children under three years of age and for any child who lacks bowel or bladder control.

            g.               Individual space shall be provided for the child’s clothes and personal possessions.

            h.               Foster parents shall follow universal precautions to reduce exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other infectious materials when providing care to all children placed in their physical custody.

            i.                Children under the age of 1 year shall be placed on their backs when sleeping unless otherwise authorized in writing by a physician.

            j.                Smoking shall be prohibited in the foster home or any vehicle when the foster child is present.

         113.5(7) Lead-based paint. If the applicant lives in a home built before 1960, the applicant shall submit Form 470-4819, Lead Paint Assessment, certifying that the applicant:

            a.               Has conducted a visual assessment for lead hazards that exist in the form of peeling or chipping paint; and

            b.               Has applied interim controls using safe work methods if the presence of peeling or chipping paint is found, unless an inspector certified pursuant to department of public health rules at 641—Chapter 70 has determined that the paint is not lead-based. “Interim controls” are measures designed to temporarily reduce human exposure or likely exposure to lead-based paint hazards, such as repairing deteriorated lead-based paint, specialized cleaning, maintenance, painting, and temporary containment.

         113.5(8) Artificial lighting. Adequate artificial lighting fixtures shall be provided for study in areas where children will be studying.

         113.5(9) Toilet facilities.

            a.               Toilet facilities shall have natural or artificial ventilation.

            b.               All toilet facilities shall be maintained in a clean and working condition.

         113.5(10) Heating plant.

            a.               The heating plant shall have a capacity to maintain a temperature of approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit:

             (1)             At a point 24 inches from the floor during the day in severe weather, and

             (2)             In the bedrooms with the door closed.

            b.               Fireplaces and water heaters shall be vented to the outside atmosphere. Kerosene heaters and gas-fired space heaters shall not be used to heat any space in the home.

         113.5(11) Ventilation. Ventilation shall be provided in all rooms where foster children eat, sleep, and play either by windows which can be opened or by mechanical venting systems. Windows and doors used for ventilation shall be screened.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 237.3.

[ARC 8010B, IAB 7/29/09, effective 10/1/09; ARC 0357C, IAB 10/3/12, effective 12/1/12]