CMS Pub. 100-11, ch. 7, § 20.8

The PACE organization’s physical environment must be designed, constructed, equipped

and maintained to provide for the physical safety of participants, personnel caregivers,

and visitors. The PACE organization is responsible for maintaining a safe, sanitary,

functional, accessible and comfortable environment for the delivery of services that meet

the physical needs and protects the dignity and privacy of the participant.

In order for the environment to be considered safe and comfortable, the PACE center,

along with alternative care settings, must:

• Be accessible for the wheel chair bound person;

• Have entries and hallways wide enough to accommodate a stretcher;

• Ensure any handrails affixed to corridors are intact and free of splinters;

• Have a functioning call system in all bathing areas and participant toilets;

• Have water temperatures safe and comfortable;

• Have well-ventilated participant areas;

• Keep housekeeping compounds and other chemicals stored to prevent

participant or visitor access;

• Be as free of accident hazards as possible;

• Be clean and pest free; and

• Be free of objectionable odors.

The PACE organization is expected to have a plan and procedure to address building

security while open and after hours, including preventing participants from wandering

offsite and a process for identifying participants and visitors.

[42 CFR § 460.72(a)(1); State Readiness Review Guide]