(1) The department of health construction review services will review the following general, code, program submittal and minimum requirements to ensure that the facility is in compliance with enhanced services facility physical plant basic requirements.

(2) The enhanced service facility building occupancy type will be consistent with resident admission practices and state adopted building codes for licensed (1) nursing homes, (2) assisted living facilities or (3) adult family homes. This determination will be based on the following categories:

(a) Enhanced service facility category 1: Admit resident(s) physically or cognitively incapable of self preservation (enhanced services facility-nursing home type);

(b) Enhanced service facility category 2: Admit resident(s) capable of self-preservation with physical assistance from another person (enhanced services facility-assisted living type); or

(c) Enhanced service facility category 3: Admit no more than six resident(s) capable of evacuating the facility within five minutes (enhanced services facility-adult family home type).

(3) Enhanced services facility building will be inspected and approved by the Washington state fire marshal to be licensed.

(4) For the purposes of the physical plant sections, the use of the term facility also means applicant where applicable.

(5) The department may not exempt any physical environment requirements established in law but may exempt the enhanced services facility from meeting other specific requirements related to the physical environment if the department determines the exemption will not:

(a) Jeopardize the health or safety of residents;

(b) Adversely affect the residents' quality of life; or

(c) Change the fundamental nature of the enhanced services facility operation into something other than an enhanced services facility.

(6) An enhanced services facility wishing to request an exemption must submit a written request to the department, including:

(a) A description of the requested exemption; and

(b) The specific WAC requirement for which the exemption is sought.

(7) If a physical plant requirement, such as an isolation or seclusion room, is not included or addressed in this chapter, it is not allowed.