CMS has released a proposed rule calling to update the fire safety standards in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and other long-term care facilities.
CMS currently abides by the National Fire Protection Association's Life Safety Code from 2000. NFPA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing loss of life and quality of life due to fire.
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CMS proposes applicable hospitals and healthcare facilities adhere to certain provisions of the updated 2012 edition of LSC and the Health Care Facilities Code, which contains more details tailored to healthcare facilities.
Such changes would include:
• requiring all buildings taller than 75 feet have automatic sprinkler systems throughout the building.
• allowing door-locking arrangements for patients requiring specialized protection, as long as certain fire safety requirements are in place.
• smoke control in anesthetizing areas.
• implementing a fire watch, a person assigned to an area solely to notify people during an emergency.
• building evacuation when a sprinkler system is out for more than four hours.
Comments on the proposed rule will be open until June 16.
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