CMS SOM App. U, Tag R211

least 100 square feet in single patient rooms.

Interpretive Guidelines: §403.742(b)(1)(ii)

The measurement of the square footage should be based upon the useable living space of

the room. Therefore, the minimum square footage in patient rooms should be measured

based upon the floor’s measurements exclusive of toilets and bath areas, closets, lockers,

wardrobes, alcoves, or vestibules. However, if the height of the alcoves or vestibules

reasonably provides useful living area, then the corresponding floor area may be included

in the calculation.

The space occupied by movable wardrobes should be excluded from the useable square

footage in a room, unless it is an item of the patient’s own choice, and it is in addition to

the individual closet space in the patient’s room. Non-permanent items of the patient’s

own choice should have no effect in the calculation of useable living space.

Protrusions such as columns, radiators, ventilation systems for heating and/or cooling

should be ignored in computing the useable square footage of the room if the area

involved is minimal (e.g., a baseboard heating or air conditioning system or ductwork

that does not protrude more than 8 inches from the wall, or a column that is, not more

than 8 inches on each side), and does not have an adverse effect on the patient’s health

and safety. If these protrusions are not minimal, they would be deducted from useable

square footage computed in determining compliance with this requirement.

The swing or arc of any door that opens directly into the patient’s room should not be

excluded from the calculations of useable square footage in a room.

Survey Procedures:

• The majority of the RNHCI rooms are generally single patient rooms. However, if

the surveyor determines the room appears small, take measurements.

• If the measurements of the small room result in a deficiency with the requirement,

request a floor plan which includes square footage and/or sample at least 3

patient rooms to confirm this is not a systemic issue within the facility.

• Unless a variance has been applied for and approved as at §403.742(b)(3), are

there at least 80 square feet per patient in multiple patient rooms and at least 100

square feet for single patient rooms?