441—113.5 (237) 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 such hazards as traffic, pools, railroads, waste material, and contaminated water.
	 113.5(3)  Sleeping rooms for foster children.
	  a.   	 Sleeping rooms shall either have been constructed for the purpose of providing sleeping accommodation or remodeled for sleeping to provide proper heat and ventilation.
	  b.   	 For multiple occupancy the minimum area per child shall be 40 square feet.
	  c.   	 When sleeping rooms meet only minimum requirements, the home shall provide additional room in other parts of the home for study and play.
	 113.5(4)  All rooms aboveground.
	  a.   	 All rooms aboveground shall have adequate window area or mechanical artificial ventilation.
	  b.   	 The ceiling height for rooms aboveground shall be seven feet or more.
	 113.5(5) Rooms belowground.
	  a.   	 Rooms belowground shall be free from excessive dampness, noxious gases, and objectionable odors.
	  b.   	 Sleeping rooms for foster children located belowground shall conform to standards listed in 113.5(3) and 113.7(1)“a.”
	 113.5(6) Physical care standards for foster children.
	  a.   	 Grouping children in sleeping rooms shall take into consideration the age and sex of children. Children over six years of age shall not share a room with a child of the opposite sex.
	  b.   	 Children two years or older shall be provided bedroom space other than in the foster parents’ bedroom.
	  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.
	 113.5(7) Household pets. Household pets which have access to the outdoors shall be inoculated for rabies.
	 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, including privies, shall be maintained in a clean condition.
	 113.5(10) Heating plant. The heating plant shall have a capacity to maintain a temperature of approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit at a point 24 inches from the floor during the day in severe weather. Gas-fired space heaters, other stoves, fireplaces and water heaters shall be vented to the outside atmosphere.
	 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.