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 | May 20, 2020
St. Louis is first Midwest city to pass building energy performance standard
Allows owners broad flexibility on how to achieve goals.
Codes and Standards | May 20, 2020
Supreme Court says Georgia cannot copyright its entire official code
Ruling may have implications for other states claiming copyright for building codes.
Codes and Standards | May 18, 2020
Strategies to reduce personal contact in multifamily properties
Design can improve health amid COVID-19 pandemic.
Codes and Standards | May 18, 2020
Canada Green Building Council says building industry lacks zero-carbon skills, knowledge
Net-zero target requires shift in thinking and practices.
Codes and Standards | May 18, 2020
California’s grid can support all-electric buildings
Load-shifting will help reduce peak demand.
Codes and Standards | May 15, 2020
European cities to revamp transportation after pandemic reopening
Road closures, new rules for public transit will be imposed.
Codes and Standards | May 14, 2020
Washington State construction industry restart plan has three phases
In state with earliest COVID-19 cases, advisory group developing priorities based on risk.
Codes and Standards | May 14, 2020
More mass timber beam and column options available in the U.S.
Freres Lumber unveils new line of structural elements suitable for high-rise buildings.
Codes and Standards | May 13, 2020
Researchers flag insufficient training for construction workers on healthcare projects
May contribute to fungal disease outbreaks that endanger patients
Codes and Standards | May 8, 2020
New NIBS report evaluates natural disaster mitigation strategies
Document examines strengthening buildings for flood, wind, wildfires, and earthquakes.