CMS Adoption of 2012 NFPA Standards
On May 4, 2016, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid ...
On May 4, 2016, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) adopted the 2012 Editions of NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities Code and NFPA 101, Life Safety Code.
NFPA 99 was completely rewritten from its predecessor, the 2005 Edition. The 2012 Edition now takes a risk-based approach as opposed to an occupancy-based approach, focusing on patient and caregiver safety by applying four (4) new risk “Categories”. For example, Category 1 is defined as “Failure of the system or equipment is likely to cause major injury or death to patients or caregivers”, whereas Category 4 is defined as “Failure of the system or equipment would have no impact on patient care”. The 2012 Edition of NFPA 101 includes revisions in health care occupancy rules intended to foster a more comfortable, home-like environment.
All health care facilities personnel should become familiar with the new standards – ask your Project Manager or Project Architect about how the 2012 NFPA standards may impact your existing facilities or upcoming projects. Standards may be purchased at http://catalog.nfpa.org/. Make sure you are purchasing the 2012 Editions, as the 2015 editions are available but are not adopted by CMS.
Posted in: CMS requirements
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