CMS, the agency under the Department of Health & Human Services that oversees Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement for health care facilities has come into the first part of this decade by adopting the 2012 Life Safety Code. Previously this entity has only recognized the 2000 Life Safety Code which caused some disconnect with State and local officials who most times recognized and utilized the newer versions of the code when reviewing the construction of a new Senior Living facility under the purview of CMS.
With the adoption of the 2012 Life Safety Code by CMS, our Senior Living projects will need to be in compliance to assure the owners and operators will qualify for Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement. These regulations will become effective on July 5, 2016, for all projects constructed after that time.
Some key items:
- The 2012 edition of NFPA 99 Health Care Facilities Code is being adopted with the exception of chapters 7, 8, 12 and 13. CMS will be adopting its own Emergency Management Regulations which are a part of chapter 12.
- Healthcare facilities will have more flexibility to provide seating in corridors, design open cooking arrangements and install certain types of fireplaces that were restricted previously.
- CMS will require windows in all patient sleeping rooms and they will have a sill height of 36” above the floor.
- Inspection of fire and smoke door assemblies will be required annually.
There are more items to be found in the 133-page document that need to be considered in any new project design and construction. The Douglas Company can help Senior Community developer to navigate this myriad of regulations which are many times conflicting and confusing. Come see The Douglas Company today to help with your new Senior Living Development needs. We are here to be your Senior Living new construction experts.
Peter Douglas, P.E.
President
The Douglas Company
