In response to changes to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Life Safety Code, CannonDesign has launched REALIZE Life Safety Solutions — a suite of services and software solutions focused on helping healthcare facilities teams assess their compliance with life safety code standards related to CFR 482.41 — Condition of participation: Physical environment — without operational disruptions.
Named the No. 4 facility management provider within an A/E firm by the “World Architecture 100,” CannonDesign created REALIZE Life Safety Solutions to help clients navigate through CMS’s most recent Final Rule, which adopted the National Fire Protection Association’s 2012 edition of the Life Safety Code (NFPA 101), as well as provisions of the NFPA’s 2012 edition of the Health Care Facilities Code (NFPA 99). All health facilities that participate in Medicare and/or Medicaid must comply with these code changes.
“The Final Rule presents a considerable update to the life safety directives most healthcare systems have become accustomed to,” says Joe Cassata, principal at CannonDesign. “The last time a change in the Life Safety Code was made was in 2003 when CMS adopted the 2000 edition. Sorting through the new changes and understanding how they apply to individual facilities is a daunting task, which is why we’re launching this offering.”
With experience assessing more than 200 million SF of space, life safety is not a new service area for CannonDesign. However, REALIZE Life Safety Solutions packages the firm’s life safety services into an easily customizable offering focused on three primary areas:
- Life Safety Current State: Life safety drawings review, field verification, and key findings report of current Life Safety for owned or leased facilities.
- Code Review: Review and report of physical conditions based on 2012 Life Safety Codes.
- Corrective Action Plan: Corrective action report containing prioritized deficiencies, cost estimates and recommendations for remediation.
“Most health systems have received a life safety deficiency,” adds Cassata. “Sometimes the deficiencies are minor and easily fixed, while other times they require significant facility modifications to prevent steep fines, possible terminated Medicare/Medicaid reimbursements, and even possible closure. Regardless of the scenario, we have the knowledge and expertise needed to get our clients to a place where can have absolute confidence in their Life Safety Code compliance.”
Related Stories
Museums | Oct 25, 2022
Seattle Aquarium’s new Ocean Pavilion emphasizes human connection to oceans
Seattle Aquarium’s new Ocean Pavilion, currently under construction, features several exhibits that examine the human connection with the Earth’s oceans.
Energy-Efficient Design | Oct 24, 2022
Roadmap shows how federal buildings can reach zero embodied carbon emissions by 2050
The Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) has released a roadmap that it says charts a path for federal buildings projects to achieve zero embodied carbon emissions by 2050.
Higher Education | Oct 24, 2022
Wellesley College science complex modernizes facility while preserving architectural heritage
A recently completed expansion and renovation of Wellesley College’s science complex yielded a modernized structure for 21st century STEM education while preserving important historical features.
Mixed-Use | Oct 20, 2022
ROI on resilient multifamily construction can be as high as 72%
A new study that measured the economic value of using FORTIFIED Multifamily, a voluntary beyond-code construction and re-roofing method developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), found the return can be as high as 72%.
40 Under 40 | Oct 19, 2022
Meet the 40 Under 40 class of 2022
Each year, the editors of Building Design+Construction honor 40 architects engineers, contractors, and real estate developers as BD+C 40 Under 40 awards winners. These AEC professionals are recognized for their career achievements, passion for the AEC profession, involvement with AEC industry organizations, and service to their communities.
Designers | Oct 19, 2022
Architecture Billings Index moderates but remains healthy
For the twentieth consecutive month architecture firms reported increasing demand for design services in September, according to a new report today from The American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Building Team | Oct 18, 2022
Brasfield & Gorrie chairman’s home vandalized by anti-development activists
Activists vandalized the home and vehicles of Miller Gorrie, chairman of Birmingham-based Brasfield & Gorrie, in protest of a planned $90 million, 85-acre police, fire and public safety training center in Atlanta.
Mixed-Use | Oct 18, 2022
Mixed-use San Diego tower inspired by coastal experience and luxury travel
The new 525 Olive mixed use San Diego tower was inspired by the coastal experience and luxury travel.
University Buildings | Oct 18, 2022
A carbon-neutral-ready university campus opens in Hong Kong
In early September, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) officially opened its new, KPF-designed campus in Nansha, Guangzhou (GZ).
Codes and Standards | Oct 17, 2022
Ambitious state EV adoption goals put pressure on multifamily owners to provide chargers
California’s recently announced ban on the sale of new gas-powered vehicles starting in 2035—and New York’s recent decision to follow suit—are putting pressure on multifamily property owners to install charging stations for tenants.