SCS/SB 136 - This act would allow Residential Care Facilities I and II, which meet specific fire safety, staffing and training requirements to admit and/or retain persons who are physically capable, but who are mentally incapable, of negotiating a normal path to safety without assistance.

The facility must be equipped with: (1) an approved automatic sprinkler system approved by the Division of Aging; and (2) a fire alarm system and smoke barriers that comply with the life safety code issued by the National Fire Protection Act. In multi-level facilities such person may only be housed on the ground floor unless the upper level exits comply with the life safety code issued by the National Fire Protection Act. Such persons shall be considered two persons for the purpose of determining the number of personnel needed to meet fire safety staffing requirements. The facility must install and utilize personal warning devices or exit door alarms to notify staff of unauthorized entrance into or exit from the facility. The facility must assess each resident's situation upon admission to the facility and every six months thereafter.

Newly employed personnel must have at least twelve hours of orientation training within thirty days of employment and four hours of this time shall relate to the care and safety of residents with Alzheimer's disease and/or related dementia. The provider agency shall also provide twelve hours on in-service training annually. At least four shall relate to the care and safety of residents with dementia.

In facilities with more than twenty licensed beds, no more than fifty percent of the total resident population of such facility may be persons mentally incapable of negotiating a normal path to safety.

CHERYL GRAZIER