Library: Policy
340:105-10-71. Congregate meals service facilities
Revised 9-15-2022
(a) Policy. Each congregate meals service provider secures and maintains adequate facilities for the preparation and delivery of the meals service, nutrition education, and funded supportive services.
(b) Authority. The authority for this Section is Section 307 and 331 of the Older Americans Act, Part 1321.11(a) of Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 1247 of Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes, as amended (21 O.S. § 1247), and 21 O.S. § 1247 with 56 O.S. §163.1.
(c) Procedures.
(1) The grantee agency locates congregate meals service sites in areas accessible to the target group of eligible persons in a community and, where possible, within walking distance from where such persons congregate.
(A) There is a minimum of at least one Title III congregate nutrition site per county at all times.
(B) When there is one Title III congregate nutrition site in a county, good-faith efforts are made to provide transportation assistance to potential participants from other parts of the county to that site, when feasible.
(2) The grantee agency arranges for all applicable health, fire, safety, and sanitation inspections for project offices and congregate meals sites in the manner described in (A) through (F) of this paragraph.
(A) The fire and safety inspections are conducted annually by local fire officials or another designated local official in the absence of a local fire marshal using established local standards.
(B) In the absence of local standards, standards developed and adopted by Oklahoma Human Services, with the cooperation of the state fire marshal and the Oklahoma State Department of Health, are applicable. • 1
(C) Standards are based on the site's use and occupancy by Title III funded projects and are adequate to protect the health and safety of participants.
(D) County health department sanitation inspections are completed at least annually.
(E) All inspection reports are on file with the grantee agency.
(F) The grantee agency responds, as directed by the inspecting agency, to all cited deficiencies.
(3) The Area Agency on Aging annually conducts evaluations for Americans with Disabilities Act compliance at all project offices and congregate meals sites. The grantee agency ensures that project facilities comply with 21 O.S. § 1247, as amended, that mandates all public facilities be smoke free and posts such designation as required by law.
(4) The project separates dining and food preparation areas at sites where food is prepared and served in the same facility.
(5) Where feasible, the project provides ample space and time for the provision of supportive services, per Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 340:105-10-54.
(6) The project provides appropriate furnishings for older persons, including sturdy tables and chairs, and arranges the furnishings to provide adequate aisle space for persons using mobility aids, such as walkers and wheelchairs.
(7) The project provides table settings that are approved by the project advisory council. When disposable dinnerware is used, it is sturdy to prevent spillage, leakage, and breakage.
(8) The project posts, in conspicuous locations, information regarding:
(A) participants' right to equal opportunity and equal access to services;
(B) the meal's full cost ineligible persons pay, such as visitors younger than 60 years of age, who are served meals;
(C) suggested participant contribution toward the meal's cost, as the project or site advisory council determines. All participant contributions are for the meal cost and are not solicited for other items, such as utilities and coffee;
(D) menus for a minimum of one week in advance;
(E) participant grievance procedures;
(F) an evacuation plan;
(G) a toll free information and assistance phone number;
(H) a current health inspection certificate from the local health department;
(I) a Smoke Free Facility sign;
(J) a summary of the site or project, if applicable; and
(K) an emergency management plan including at minimum, the location of the nearest emergency shelter(s) available to participants.
(d) Cross references. Refer to OAC 340:105-10-50.1(a)(7), 340:105-10-51, 340:105‑10‑54, 340:105-10-68 through 340:105-10-70, 340:105‑10-72 through 340:105-10-80, and 340:105-10-86.
(d) Cross references. See OAC 340:105-10-50.1(a)(7), 340:105-10-51, 340:105-10-54, 340:105-10-68 through 340:105-10-70, 340:105-10-72 through 340:105-10-80, and 340:105-10-86.
Revised 9-15-22
1. Standards developed and adopted by Oklahoma Human Services with the cooperation of the state fire marshal and the Oklahoma State Department of Health as applicable are listed in (1) - (22) of this Instruction.
(1) A sufficient number of exits are made available. Any space providing seating for 50 or fewer has at least one exit that exits directly to the outside. Any space providing seating for more than 50 has at least two exits remotely located from each other.
(A) Exit doors swing in the direction of travel. Exit doors remain unlocked during Title III program hours of operation.
(B) Exit signs are illuminated and have an audible component. When the exit door is not visible from inside the space, directional exit signs mark the path of travel to the exit.
(2) Panic hardware is installed on exit doors for occupant loads of 100 or more persons. An evacuation plan is posted.
(3) Pathways are accessible and clear of obstructions.
(4) The building in which the program is housed is clearly numbered, the exterior well lighted, and appropriate program signage is visible. The building number is visible from the street.
(5) Fire extinguishers are inspected and charged yearly. Fire extinguishers are located in an appropriate place, and staff and volunteers are trained in their use. Extinguisher locations are plainly marked. The number of fire extinguishers is appropriate for the size of the facility.
(6) Fire drills are conducted and documented quarterly and evacuation time is appropriate. Employees and volunteers are trained in drill procedures.
(7) Tornado drills are conducted and documented annually. Employees and volunteers are trained in drill procedures.
(8) Electrical outlets are appropriate for use, free of damage, and not overloaded. Extension cords are used properly and outlets and switch plates are covered.
(9) Wiring is free of damage and located so as to be trip-free.
(10) Heating and air conditioning are in good working condition, and are properly cleaned and maintained. The fuel supply is safe, and the heater closet is not used for storage.
(11) Flammable liquids are used and stored properly. They are stored away from the means of egress.
(12) Walking and working surfaces are clean, dry, and unobstructed.
(13) Outside storage is accomplished in such a way that trash is stored in proper containers and grounds maintenance is conducted to prevent a hazardous or unsafe environment.
(14) Kitchen floors are free of slip and trip hazards. Cloth, paper, and other combustibles in the kitchen are stored away from open flames. Staff and volunteers are aware of, and practice safety requirements.
(15) Food products are stored separately from cleaning products.
(16) Cooking appliances are vented, properly separated from combustibles, with filters cleaned and washed regularly, and have no grease accumulation.
(17) The hood extinguishing system contains the correct number of properly located, secure, open nozzles. The fuel shutoff is connected, the manual pull is accessible and clear, the heads and hood are clean, and the inspection tag is current.
(18) The water heater(s) contains a pop off valve. Water heaters, furnaces, and heating units are checked by a qualified service person once per year. Heating units are properly vented and enclosed. Closets where heating units or water heaters are located are not used for storage.
(19) Smoke Free Facility is clearly marked and enforced.
(20) Hazardous materials are stored properly, with an information sheet available. The responding fire station is informed of hazardous materials.
(21) The road(s) leading to the facility is readily accessible.
(22) The facility is located with reasonable access to adequate water supply.
