AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

December 21, 2001

AASA: BH #2001-028
SUBJECT: SEMI-AMBULATORY OR NON-AMBULATORY RESIDENTS

Dear Boarding Home Provider:

Questions have arisen regarding the conditions under which a boarding home may serve residents who are semi-ambulatory or non-ambulatory. Washington Administrative Code 388-78A-240(3)(a) states: "The licensee shall accept and retain an individual as a resident only when the individual is ambulatory unless the boarding home is approved by the Washington state director of fire protection to care for semi-ambulatory or nonambulatory residents;"

WAC 388-78A-010 defines "ambulatory", "semi-ambulatory" and "nonambulatory":

• "Ambulatory" means capable of walking or traversing a normal path to safety without the physical assistance of another individual.
• "Semi-ambulatory" means physically and mentally capable of traversing a normal path to safety with the use of mobility aids, but unable to ascend or descend stairs without the physical assistance of another individual.
• "Nonambulatory" means unable to walk or traverse a normal path to safety without the physical assistance of another individual.

The State Fire Marshal is responsible for determining the fire safety features of your boarding home according to the applicable fire code. In the near future, you will receive a letter from the State Fire Marshal that will identify the fire code applicable to your home, and the conditions under which your home may serve semi-ambulatory and non-ambulatory residents.

During licensing inspections, Residential Care Services (RCS) licensing staff will determine the ambulatory status of sampled residents or other residents who come to the attention of licensors, and determine if your boarding home is serving semi- or non-ambulatory residents consistent with the State Fire Marshal's determination.

If you have questions regarding your building's fire safety characteristics or the conditions under which you may serve semi- or non-ambulatory residents, they should be directed to the Office of the State Fire Marshal at
(360) 705-5766, according to the letter you will receive from the State Fire Marshal.

Questions concerning the ambulation status of residents may be directed to your boarding home licensor.

Sincerely,

Patricia K. Lashway, Director
Residential Care Services

cc: Mary Corso, State Fire Marshal