CMS Proposes Adoption of Updated Life Safety Code

To view this complete announcement from CMS, please visit www.cms.gov/Newsroom/MediaReleaseDatabase/Fact-sheets/2014-Fact-sheets-items/2014-04-14.html.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced a proposed rule on the adoption of updated life safety code (LSC) that CMS would use in its ongoing work to ensure the health and safety of all patients, family, and staff in every provider and supplier setting.  The updated code contains new provisions that are vital to the health and safety of all patients and staff.

A key priority of CMS is to ensure that patients and staff continue to experience the highest degree of safety possible, including fire safety.  CMS intends to adopt the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 2012 editions of the (LSC) and the Health Care Facilities Code (HCFC).  This would reduce burden on health care providers, as the 2012 edition of the LSC also is aligned with the international building codes and would make compliance across codes much simpler for Medicare and Medicaid-participating facilities.

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To view the proposed rule you may visit www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/04/16/2014-08602/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-fire-safety-requirements-for-certain-health-care-facilities.  PDF format is available for download in the right-hand column or click here.

View CMS Memo S&C: 14-21-LSC issued April 18, 2014 here:  www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/Policy-and-Memos-to-States-and-Regions-Items/Survey-and-Cert-Letter-14-21.html.