The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, published proposed rules this spring that would amend the fire safety standards for hospitals, long-term care facilities, ambulatory surgery centers, hospice inpatient, and many other healthcare facilities that participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs.
CMS proposed adopting the 2012 editions of the Life Safety Code, which includes measures devised by the National Fire Protection Association, and includes the Healthcare Facilities Code. A key change is a requirement that buildings over 75 feet tall have sprinkler systems throughout the structure. Existing buildings would have 12 years to install them.
Automatic sprinkler systems will be required in all habitable areas, closets, roofed porches, balconies, and decks of new residential health care facilities. CMS also strongly encouraged existing facilities to be sprinklered in all habitable areas. Under the new provisions, sprinklers also must be installed in attics of new and existing residential facilities if the attic is used for living purposes, storage, or the housing of fuel-fired equipment. Or, it must have a heat detection system, be of noncombustible construction, or be constructed of fire retardant treated-wood.
Newly-constructed facilities would have to install approved smoke alarms inside every sleeping room, outside every sleeping area, and on all levels within a residential unit. CMS is soliciting public comment regarding whether that requirement should be applied to existing facilities, as well.
(http://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/new-federal-health-care-facility-regulat-93481/)
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Apr 18, 2016
Efficiency finance pilot project to spur retrofits on existing buildings
EDF and PG&E team up on interest-free loans for qualified projects.
Codes and Standards | Apr 18, 2016
ASHRAE releases proposed energy standard for historic buildings
Designed to balance with preservation requirements.
Codes and Standards | Apr 13, 2016
Canadian city fines itself for failing to get a building permit for building renovation
Guelph, Ontario, will pay a $1,125 fine to the province.
Codes and Standards | Apr 12, 2016
Construction trade groups sue OSHA over silica rule
Cite concerns about technological and economic feasibility.
Codes and Standards | Apr 11, 2016
New LEED 2009 projects will have to meet increased minimum energy performance
New requirements went into effect April 8.
Wood | Apr 8, 2016
New LEED Pilot ACP designed to help eliminate irresponsibly sourced materials
Illegal wood is primary target to restrict illicit material in the supply chain.
Lighting | Apr 5, 2016
Lighting requirements for high-rise dwellings proposed for energy standard
The requirements would effectively eliminate incandescent and halogen bulbs.
Steel Buildings | Apr 4, 2016
AISI publishes Cold-Formed Steel Framing Design Guide, 2016 Edition
Updates 2007 edition; includes five comprehensive design examples.
Data Centers | Apr 1, 2016
ASHRAE releases publication on the impact of IT equipment on data center design
The book offers advice for designing structures in the fast-changing data center industry.
Codes and Standards | Mar 28, 2016
Occupant egress simulations that impact codes fall short, researchers say
Building evacuations in emergencies are too dangerous as a result.