South Carolina Long Term Health Care Administrator Practice Test

How many gallons of hot water per hour must the water heater provide per licensed bed?

1. 4 gallons

2. 6 gallons

3. 8 gallons

4. 10 gallons

The correct answer is: 6 gallons

The correct amount of hot water that a water heater must provide per licensed bed is 6 gallons per hour. This standard is typically established to ensure that there is sufficient hot water for the daily needs of residents in a long-term care facility, including bathing, washing linens, and cleaning. Providing 6 gallons per licensed bed helps maintain the comfort and hygiene of residents, which is essential for their overall well-being. Additionally, many health and safety regulations emphasize the need for adequate hot water supply to support proper sanitation practices in facilities that care for vulnerable populations. Other amounts, such as 4, 8, or 10 gallons, may not reflect the standard requirements needed to support the operational needs effectively. For instance, offering too little hot water could lead to inadequate bathing and cleaning processes, while too much may represent unnecessary costs and inefficiencies. Meeting the specified requirement ensures that the facility operates within the established standards for care.