NFPA Journal - May/June 2012 - (Page 82)

— . HEALTH CARE HOT TOPICS . — ments necessary for patient safety and security reasons were not addressed in the 2000 edition of the Life Safety Code. With the industry abuzz that CMS, The Joint Commission, and other authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) intend to adopt the 2012 edition, this year’s NFPA Conference & Expo will serve as an information portal on the build or renovate health care facilities in the next few years. When CMS adopted the 2000 edition of the Life Safety Code, they included some CMS-specific amendments. This session will allow CMS to share their initial thoughts regarding content, particularly as it relates to key new provisions of the Life Safety Code, especially since users and designers are looking to apply new provisions and best practices as soon as possible. + The JoinT Commission’s DeparTmenT of engineering The Joint Commission will discuss its new Department of Engineering and explain what it means both within and outside the organization. Health care facilities were accustomed to working with the Standards Interpretation Group in the past to address life safety issues and questions. George Mills will clarify if and how this change will affect future communications or interaction with The Joint Commission. + Cms Long-Term Care sprinkLer iniTiaTive code adoption status, process, and timelines. The always-popular session “Health Care Hot Topics and AHJ Interpretations”—previously known as the “Health Care Town Hall Meeting”— will address these issues, among others. I’ll moderate the session, which will include George Mills, director of The Joint Commission’s Department of Engineering, and James Merrill, life safety specialist for CMS. You can expect the following hot topics to be addressed: including egress corridor projections, alternative kitchen cooking arrangements, installation of fireplaces in patient sleeping compartments, and revised provisions regarding combustible decorations. The CMS August 2013 deadline for existing nursing homes to become fully sprinklered is quickly approaching. Hear about the progress nationwide and how CMS will address facilities that don’t meet the deadline. Since adoption of the 2012 edition of the Life Safety Code includes a retroactive sprinkler requirement for nursing homes, the adoption time line could also affect long-term care providers. + QuesTion anD answer Arguably the most valuable component of this session is the open microphone question and answer period. This is your chance to ask the AHJs your questions, and it may be your only opportunity to ask both CMS and The Joint Commission to answer a question in a single forum. While there is a significant amount of information to cover in a single hour, we will certainly set time aside for your questions. DaviD HooD is president of Russell Phillips & Associates in Rochester, New York. He serves on the NFPA Health Care Section Executive Board and chairs the Health Care Section Education Committee. + pre-aDopTion appLiCaTion of 2012 provisions + aDopTion of The 2012 eDiTion of The Life Safety Code Both CMS and The Joint Commission will outline their intention, process, and time frame for adopting the 2012 edition of the Life Safety Code. This has historically has been a lengthy process for CMS. The time frame will be particularly important for those looking to Both CMS and The Joint Commission will outline how they may permit certain provisions of the 2012 Life Safety Code to be applied before its formal adoption. CMS will outline its use of the “waiver” process, including a Survey & Certification letter issued in March concerning the 2012 edition, while The Joint Commission will review its “equivalency” methodology and process. The ability to apply certain provisions is particularly critical if the adoption timeline is going to be a lengthy process, 82 NFPA JOURNAL MAY/JUNE 2012 PHOTOGRAPH: iSTOCKPHOTO

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NFPA Journal - May/June 2012

Nfpa Journal - May/june 2012
Contents
First Word
In a Flash
Perspectives
Firewatch
Research
Heads Up
Structural Ops
In Compliance
Buzz Words
Outreach
Electrical Safety
Wildfire Watch
Treasurer's Report
Signal Concern
Giant Steps
13^3
Sprinklered Menagerie?
Free Samples
Eye on Health Care
Membership: The Sections
Expo Preview: Exhibitors' Showcase
Looking Back

NFPA Journal - May/June 2012