403.744—Condition of participation: Life safety from fire.

(a) General. An RNHCI must meet the following conditions:

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section—

(i) The RNHCI must meet the applicable provisions of the 2000 edition of the Life Safety Code of the National Fire Protection Association. The Director of the Office of the Federal Register has approved the NFPA 101 ® 2000 edition of the Life Safety Code, issued January 14, 2000, for incorporation by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. A copy of the Code is available for inspection at the CMS Information Resource Center, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Copies may be obtained from the National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269. If any changes in this edition of the Code are incorporated by reference, CMS will publish notice in the Federal Register to announce the changes.

(ii) Chapter 19.3.6.3.2, exception number 2 of the adopted Life Safety Code does not apply to an RNHCI.

(2) The RNHCI must have written fire control plans that contain provisions for prompt reporting of fires; extinguishing fires; protection of patients, staff, and the public; evacuation; and cooperation with fire fighting authorities.

(3) The RNHCI must maintain written evidence of regular inspection and approval by State or local fire control agencies.

(4) Notwithstanding any provisions of the 2000 edition of the Life Safety Code to the contrary, the RNHCI may place alcohol-based hand rub dispensers in its facility if—

(i) Use of alcohol-based hand rub dispensers does not conflict with any State or local codes that prohibit or otherwise restrict the placement of alcohol-based hand rub dispensers in health care facilities;

(ii) The dispensers are installed in a manner that minimizes leaks and spills that could lead to falls;

(iii) The dispensers are installed in a manner that adequately protects against inappropriate access;

(iv) The dispensers are installed in accordance with chapter 18.3.2.7 or chapter 19.3.2.7 of the 2000 edition of the Life Safety Code, as amended by NFPA Temporary Interim Amendment 00-1(101), issued by the Standards Council of the National Fire Protection Association on April 15, 2004. The Director of the Office of the Federal Register has approved NFPA Temporary Interim Amendment 00-1(101) for incorporation by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. A copy of the amendment is available for inspection at the CMS Information Resource Center, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD and at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC. Copies may be obtained from the National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269; and

(v) The dispensers are maintained in accordance with dispenser manufacturer guidelines.

(b) Exceptions. (1) If application of the Life Safety Code required under paragraph (a)(1) of this section would result in unreasonable hardship upon the RNHCI, CMS may waive specific provisions of the Life Safety Code, but only if the waiver does not adversely affect the health and safety of patients.

(2) If CMS finds that the fire and safety code imposed by State law adequately protects patients in the institution, the provisions of the Life Safety Code required in paragraph (a)(1) of this section do not apply in that State.

(c) Phase-in period. Beginning March 13, 2006, an RNHCI must be in compliance with Chapter 19.2.9, Emergency Lighting. Beginning March 13, 2006, Chapter 19.3.6.3.2, exception number 2 does not apply to RNHCIs.

[64 FR 67047, Nov. 30, 1999, as amended at 68 FR 1385, Jan. 10, 2003; 69 FR 18803, Apr. 9, 2004; 69 FR 49240, Aug. 11, 2004; 70 FR 15237, Mar. 25, 2005; 70 FR 71007, Nov. 25, 2005; 71 FR 55339, Sept. 22, 2006]