§ 486.163 - Condition for coverage—physical environment.

The physical environment of the office or facility of the physical therapist in independent practice affords a functional, sanitary, safe, and comfortable surrounding for patients, personnel, and the public.

(a) Standard: Building construction. The construction of the building housing the physical therapy office meets all applicable State and local building, fire, and safety codes.

(b) Standard: Maintenance of the physical therapy office and equipment. There is a written preventive-maintenance program to ensure that equipment is operative and that the physical therapy office is clean and orderly. All essential mechanical, electrical, and patient-care equipment is maintained in safe operating condition, and is properly calibrated.

(c) Standard: Other environmental considerations. The building housing the physical therapy office is accessible to, and functional for, patients, personnel, and the public. Written effective procedures in aseptic techniques are followed by all personnel and the procedures are reviewed annually, and when necessary, revised.

(d) The physical therapist is alert to the possibility of fire and other nonmedical emergencies and has written plans that include—

(1) The means for leaving the office and the building safely, demonstrated, for example, by fire exit signs; and

(2) Other provisions necessary to ensure the safety of patients.