Minnesota Administrative Rules

4658.4615 INTERIOR LIGHTING; NEW CONSTRUCTION.

A source of lighting must be provided in every room in the nursing home. Lighting levels in all areas of the nursing home must be adequate and comfortable. "Adequate lighting" means levels of illumination suitable to tasks the resident chooses to perform or the nursing home staff must perform. The installation of rheostats to provide varying levels of illumination in resident areas deemed appropriate by the nursing home is acceptable. "Comfortable lighting" means lighting that minimizes glare and provides maximum resident control, where feasible, of the intensity, location, and direction of illuminations so that visually impaired residents can maintain or enhance independent functioning.

The design of the lighting system must:

A.

minimize direct, reflected, and contrast glare;

B.

provide consistent and even illumination of wall surfaces and floors;

C.

be residential in appearance;

D.

incorporate lamp colors that do not distort the true color of people, objects, or architectural elements; and

E.

be energy efficient.

Where feasible, indirect lighting by fluorescent lamps concealed by architectural molding or wall sconces is preferred. Electronic ballasts must be used for all fluorescent light fixtures. Full spectrum fluorescent and halogen lamps must not be used for task lighting. The lighting system must use natural light to the fullest extent possible in conjunction with artificial lighting. Illumination levels at transitions between outside daylight and interior light levels at entry ways must be equalized.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 144A.04; 144A.08

History:

21 SR 196

Published Electronically:

October 11, 2007