How many duplex receptacles are required at each patient bed location?

The requirement for duplex receptacles at each patient bed location reflects the need to provide adequate electrical outlets to meet the various power demands of medical equipment and patient needs. In healthcare settings, particularly in nursing homes, it is essential to ensure that patients have access to power sources for equipment such as oxygen concentrators, IV pumps, or personal electronic devices.

Having a minimum of four duplex receptacles available ensures that staff can utilize multiple devices simultaneously without the risk of overloading a single outlet. This arrangement not only promotes patient safety by preventing electrical hazards but also enhances the quality of care, as caregivers can efficiently manage the necessary equipment without needing to search for additional outlets or rely on extension cords, which can pose further risks.

The choice of having no receptacles or a lesser number would not adequately support the operational requirements of a nursing home environment, thus making the selection of four duplex receptacles a well-founded standard for patient bed locations.