The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a proposed update to the Life Safety Code (LSC) that will affect all healthcare facilities in Los Angeles and all over the US. The new hospital fire safety guidelines apply to new and existing medical buildings.
Previously, the CMS required all hospitals, emergency units, and other medical establishments to comply with fire safety standards as defined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 2000 Life Safety Code. On April 14, 2014, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services proposed upgrading to the NFPA 2012 code, in addition to the Health Care Facilities Code (HCFC).
The new changes will help to provide maximum fire safety to patients, staff and visitors in all areas of compliant medical care facilities.
Which healthcare facilities will be affected?
Advanced hospital fire safety standards, as required by the CMS, will apply to the following medical care facilities:- Hospitals
- Ambulatory surgical centers (ASC’s)
- Long-term care facilities (LTC’s)
- Critical access hospitals (CA’s)
- Programs for All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
- Religious healthcare facilities, including those that do not provide medical care
- Hospice inpatient facilities
- Intermediate care facilities for patients with cognitive disabilities
If you operate an ASC:
If you own or manage an ambulatory surgical center, then be aware of some vital changes to fire safety compliance.- Interior non-bearing walls must bear a minimum 2-hour fire resistance rating
- Interior non-bearing walls must be constructed from fire-retardant treated wood
- Doors which connect to potentially dangerous medical areas must be self-closing or able to close automatically
- Discussion regarding placement of alcohol-based hand cleaning dispensers in corridors
- Smoke control in medical areas where anesthesia is performed
If you run an intermediate care facility:
If you are opening a new healthcare facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities, then you will be required to provide sprinkler systems in the following areas:- Bedrooms
- Closets
- Covered porches
- Balconies
- Decks
- Attics used for living spaces or storage
Other changes to the Life Safety Code include:
- Larger suite sizes
- Advanced sprinkler systems to all hospital buildings over 75 feet high
- Improved security and containment for “residents that wander,” such as those in elderly care settings, drug rehabilitation centers, or intermediate care facilities for the intellectually disabled
- Evacuation of hospital building in the event of malfunctioning sprinkler systems
- Fire watch personnel