(1) A contractor who provides supported living services must comply with the safety requirements in this rule.

(2) The contractor must document that the individual, with or without assistance, demonstrates the ability to respond to fire and other emergency procedures as specified in this rule, and as specified by the IP team. If the individual lives in the family home, the contractor must document that the individual, with or without assistance, demonstrates the ability to respond to fire and other emergency procedures agreed to by the family. These results must be shared with the IP team. If the individual lives in the family home the results must be shared with the family.

(3) The contractor, if it owns, leases or rents the residence or assists in locating the residence, must provide a safe and healthy living environment.

(4) The contractor must ensure that each residence meets the following life safety requirements:

(a) Smoke detectors must be present in each sleeping room and at a point centrally located in the area giving access to each separate sleeping area. A documented monthly check must occur to ensure that each detector is operating correctly.

(b) A fire extinguisher must be located in the kitchen. A documented annual check must occur to ensure that each extinguisher is operating correctly.

(c) Every room used for sleeping, living or dining must have at least 2 exits, at least 1 of which will be a door or stairway providing a means of unobstructed travel to the street or ground level outside of the building.

(d) All exits must be maintained in an unobstructed, easily traveled condition at all times.

(5) The contractor must develop and implement procedures for emergency evacuation to be followed in the case of fire or other emergency, and these emergency procedures shall include a plan for removing all persons, including individuals who need assistance in exiting.

(6) At least annually the contractor must demonstrate that the individual can evacuate safely with or without supervision.

(7) In any circumstances of a potentially unsafe or unhealthy living environment for an individual which the contractor does not own, lease or rent or which the contractor did not assist in locating, the contractor must in concert with the IP team:

(a) discuss and document with the individual and guardian the potentially unsafe or unhealthy concerns in the individual's residence;

(b) provide options to assist the individual in locating a safer and healthier residence; and

(c) ensure that the individual or guardian is making an informed decision to remain in a potentially unsafe or unhealthy residence.

(8) The contractor must maintain and implement procedures for:

(a) individualized, in-place emergency response systems. The individual must demonstrate the ability at least annually to use the system; and

(b) in-place systems for response during times when assigned staff do not report for duty.