US · guidance
CMS SOM App. U, Tag R231
§403.744(a)(6) Building must have an outside window or outside door in every
sleeping room, and for any building constructed after July 5, 2016 the sill height
must not exceed 36 inches above the floor. Windows in atrium walls are considered
outside windows for the purposes of this requirement.
Interpretive Guidelines: §403.744(a)(6)
Every patient sleeping room shall have an outside window or door. Rooms intended for
less than 24 hours occupancy do not require outside windows or doors. Windows in
atrium walls are considered outside windows for the purpose of this requirement.
In buildings constructed after July 5, 2016, the maximum allowable sill height is 36
inches above the floor.
Survey Procedures:
Identify patient sleeping rooms intended to be occupied for more than 24 hours. Confirm
these rooms have an outside window or outside door. If the building was constructed
after July 5, 2016, confirm the outside window sill is 36 inches or less above the floor.
History
Rev. 239; Issued: 04-24-26; Effective: 04-24-26; Implementation: 04-24-26
Provenance
- Source
- cms.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-07-22
- Edition
- som-2026-07-22
- Content hash
34f949f20fe0be8db34e6c88e6cf20ea382f66e0ee0477466bb58c260d4825b4
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