§ 9-72-1. Definitions.

The following definitions shall apply to the interpretation and enforcement of this chapter:

Ambulatory/infirm person means those who, due to age or infirmity, are physically, medically, and/or mentally unable to satisfactorily care for themselves, but who do not necessarily need care provided by a licensed health care professional in custodial institutions, and for whom family type living can be made adequate to assure necessary protection and safety. Custodial institutions, as used herein, shall not be construed to include personal care homes.

Department means the health department.

Health officer means the health officer and director of the health department, or his or her designated representative or representatives.

Independently mobile means an individual who is physically and/or mentally capable of vacating the personal care home on his or her own power in case of emergency, including the capability to ascend or descend stairs that are present to the exit path. Residents who use canes, wheelchairs, or walkers are considered independently mobile as long as they do not require more than verbal or minimum assistance from another person to vacate and can do so in two minutes, or as required by local fire codes.

Owner/operator means and includes persons in possession and in control of property by virtue of lease-rental agreements; and as further set forth under the term "provider."

Personal care home means any premises operated for compensation in which food, shelter and personal assistance or supervision are provided for a period exceeding 24 consecutive hours for two or more independently mobile adults who are not related to the operator and who require assistance or supervision in such matters as dressing, bathing, diet, or medication prescribed for self-administration, but do not require hospitalization or care in a skilled nursing home or in intermediate care facilities. The state definition for "home for the aged" and "supportive living home" shall also be included in this category.

Personal care home permit means the permit to operate a personal care home and must be secured from the health department. This permit shall be issued only after the provider has complied with all health department rules and regulations necessary for issuance of such permit, which shall include building and occupancy permits, issued by the building official.

Provider means the owner, manager, operator, proprietor, or person in charge of a personal care home at any time during a 24-hour period.

Staff means those aides, cooks, homemakers, and other persons employed by the provider, to assist in providing personal health care services for all residents and clients in a personal care home.

(Code 1967, § 32-120; Code 1985, § 16-336; Ord. No. 3229, § 1, 8-3-1982)