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Abuse & Neglect Can Be Stopped

Posted by: Craig A. Knapp
August 21, 2011
Topic: Group Home Health & Safety Standards

Living in a group home can feel intimidating. You're not sure what to expect and there's always the uncertainty of whether or not you will be treated well and humane. Group home residents have a legal right to be treated with respect and dignity. All forms of physical OR verbal abuse is prohibited under Arizona law.  For example, they have a right to eat and drink at any hour they so desire unless their Individual Support Plan (ISP) dictates otherwise.  Also, demeaning  comments or language to a group home resident is abuse in our state.  Abuse and neglect can, and does, occur in many ways.  If you suspect someone living in a group home is not being treated fairly, contact Knapp & Roberts today. Abuse and neglect of those who cannot protect themselves can, and should, be stopped immediately.

Fortunately, Arizona's Department of Health Services (DHS) sets many requirements for those who own and operate a group home to ensure that the group home's living conditions are satisfactory for their residents. It's not difficult to find, but many people don't know the specific group home living requirements that Arizona law enforces. Because of this, Knapp & Roberts is dedicated to sharing what those rights are so that you can prevent neglectful and abusive living conditions in yours or your loved one's group home. Below is the exact checklist DHS uses in assessing a group home's Health & Safety Standards during an inspection. Each number is check marked as in compliance or in need of corrective action. See the group home items of inspection below:

1. Procedures for fires, missing persons & severe weather

2. Floor plan routes of current evacuation, fire equip. & evacuation devices

3. Instructions for alarms, fire equipment & devices available

4. Procedures for evacuating each resident regardless of disabilities

5. Procedures for notification of ERT/law enforcement, designee, etc.

6. Address clearly posted/ERT notified

7. Semi-annual evacuation drills documented for each shift (2 years)

8. Date/Time/Duration/Description/Corrective Plan if more than 3 min.)

9. Escape routes free from obstacles

10. Release mechanism on any locking devices, does not require knowledge or key

11. Working telephone w/emergency phone numbers/facility address near phone

12. Annual fire inspection report - compliance to level of licensing

13. 2A-10-BC fire extinguisher - serviced, tagged every 12 months

14. Smoke detectors capable of alerting all residents regardless of disabilities

15. Smoke detectors in bedrooms, hallways and adjacent to kitchen

16. Emergency exit from each bedroom to outside

17. Fireplace protected (screen/curtain/barrier)

18. Furnaces, heaters, water heaters clear for three feet

19. Heating/cooling/ventilation systems working properly (between 65º- 85ºF)

20. Working, safe, cooking/cooling appliances for food (recommend 45ºF refrig.)

21. Hot water temperatures maintained between 95ºF and 120ºF

22. Electrical equipment/lighting/wiring/extension cords/etc.

23. Safe and functioning plumbing/sewage/showers/tubs/sinks/toilets

24. Documentation concerning modifications for impaired clients

25. Refuse in cleanable containers/sealable plastic bags removed every 7 days

27. Free of hazards and in good repair

28. Free from rodents/insects/vermin (no unsanitary conditions

29. Vehicle Safety - See Vehicle Inspection Form

30. Slip resistant ramps, stairs and steps

31. Handrails/grab bars securely attached and stationary

32. No firearms or ammunition at the facility

33. No unprotected wells, ditches or holes that an individual may slip into

34. Cleaning compounds and toxic substances labeled and stored safety

35. Bathtubs and showers have safety strips/mats or non-slip surfaces

36. Remove unused furniture/equipment/devices or store in covered building

37. First Aid Kit complete

38. Swimming pool/spa/bodies of water has 5' fence or waiver

39. Pool fence, location and gates are safe per A.A.C. R6-33-207(B)

40. Exterior of fence is free of handholds or footholds

41. Shepherd's crook/ring buoy w/rope 10 ft. plus distance of half the pool

42. Spa fenced if resident under 6 yrs., or otherwise covered and locked

To view the actual document DHS uses in inspecting a group home's safety and health standards, and to find other pertinent group home information, visit their group home website. The best thing anyone can do when living in a group home is to educate their self on their rights. If you feel as though your health & safety rights have been violated based on the above information, give the experienced group home attorneys at Knapp & Roberts a call. We believe we can help you during your time of need and assist you in helping future group home residents in avoiding the same neglectful and abusive living conditions you received. Don't waste one more minute being mistreated. Contact Knapp & Roberts.


The Knapp & Roberts law firm represents serious injury and wrongful death clients throughout Arizona, including the communities of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Goodyear, Tucson, Flagstaff, and Yuma in the Valley of the Sun - Maricopa County, Pinal County, Coconino County, Yuma County, and Gila County.