NAC424.375. Sleeping accommodations.

     1. Unless an exception is approved by the licensing authority:

     (a) Foster children must sleep in a room, designated as a bedroom, which must ensure privacy.

     (b) Closets, partitioned rooms and similar areas are unacceptable areas for children to sleep.

     (c) No child may be allowed to sleep in a detached building, unfinished attic or basement, stair hall or room commonly used for other than bedroom purposes.

     2. Unless an exception is approved by the licensing authority, rooms used by children for sleeping must have a minimum of 35 square feet per child and 3 feet of floor space between beds.

     3. Dormitories housing more than six children are not allowed without the approval of the licensing authority. Single rooms must be provided for those children whose behavior or development makes it desirable for them to have a single room.

     4. Unless an exception is approved by the licensing authority, children of the opposite sex who are 5 years of age or older must not share a bedroom, and children over 12 months of age must not sleep in the same room with an adult. A child of the foster parents who is 18, 19 or 20 years of age may share a room with a foster child of the same sex and similar age if this arrangement is approved by the licensing authority representative.

     5. Unless an exception is approved by the licensing authority, the foster parents’ bedroom must be located on the same floor as the bedroom of any child under 8 years of age.

     6. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection or as approved by the licensing authority, each child must be provided with his own bed, which must be at least 30 inches wide and of a length which is adequate for the child’s height, and the bottom of which is at least 6 inches off the floor. Siblings of the same sex may share a double bed.

     7. Each bed or crib must have a comfortable and supportive mattress in good condition, a pillow, sheets and coverings and, as needed, waterproofing sufficient for the child’s comfort.

     8. Unless an exception is approved by the licensing authority, bunk beds with more than two bunks are prohibited. If bunk beds are used, the upper bunk must have a guardrail. Upper bunks must not be used by children under 8 years of age.

     9. A complete change of bed linens must be supplied at least once a week or more often if necessary.

     10. Each child must have access to a closet, locker or dresser for clothing and personal belongings in his sleeping area unless another arrangement is approved by the licensing authority.

     11. Bedroom furnishings must not be set up in such a manner as to obstruct a clear exit from a door or window.

     [Welfare Div., Req. for Foster Care part § 107.2, 10-7-88, eff. 1-1-89]—(NAC A by Div. of Child & Fam. Services, 11-14-97; R066-99, 11-8-99; R044-02, 7-23-2002)