The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has issued a reminder letter to Type A Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) regarding the 13-minute evacuation criteria. Due to an editorial error, the requirement was removed from the ALF licensing standards but will be reinstated during the Chapter 553 Rule reorganization project. The rule states that residents in Type A ALFs must be capable of evacuating the facility without physical assistance, not require routine attendance during nighttime sleeping hours, be able to follow directions under emergency conditions, and demonstrate the ability to travel from their living unit to a centralized space within 13 minutes without continuous staff assistance. Elevators cannot be used as an evacuation route. Although the requirement is not currently in the rule, facilities must ensure that residents can meet the 13-minute evacuation criteria.

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