2013 Deadline for Automatic Sprinkler Systems in All Nursing Homes
Posted: Aug. 15, 2008
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published the final version of the Fire Safety Requirements for Long-Term Care Facilities regulation, requiring all nursing homes to be fully sprinklered by 2013 if they wish to continue to participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Quick Response Sprinkler Heads Vs. Standard Sprinkler Heads
Posted: Apr. 21, 2008
Clarifies the differences and compliance requirements regarding the use of a Quick Response Sprinkler Head vs. a Standard Sprinkler Head. This update was prepared by AAHSA's life safety consultant and has been reviewed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Unprotected Openings in Corridor Walls
Posted: Jan. 7, 2008
Clarifies compliance requirements with the 2000 Life Safety Code related to unprotected openings in corridor walls in nursing facilities. This update was prepared by AAHSA's life safety consultant and has been reviewed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Designated Smoking Areas
Posted: Oct. 11, 2007
Clarifies compliance requirements with the 2000 Life Safety Code for designated smoking areas outside a health care facility. This update was prepared by AAHSA's life safety consultant and has been reviewed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Maintaining 18-inch Clear Space Below Sprinkler Deflectors
Posted: Oct. 10, 2007
Clarifies 2000 Life Safety Code requirements related to sprinklered faciilties' ability to store items within 18-inches of the ceiling. This update was prepared by AAHSA's life safety consultant and has been reviewed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Use of FSES – Overhangs and Canopies
Posted: Aug. 29, 2007
Recently, the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a Memorandum clarifying that the Fire Safety Evaluation System (FSES) can be used to evaluate the level of safety provided in a sprinklered nursing home when there are no sprinklers under overhangs and canopies that require sprinklers. This update, addressing use of the FSES and the distinction between FSES and waivers, was prepared by AAHSA's life safety consultant and has been reviewed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

New Mattress Flammability Requirements
Posted: May 10, 2007
As of July 1, 2007, the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CSPC) will require all mattresses manufactured, imported, or renovated for sale in the United States to meet new Federal Flammability Standards. This update, addressing facility requirements related to these new standards, was prepared by AAHSA's life safety consultant and has been reviewed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Central Sprinkler O–Ring Voluntary Replacement Program Ends August 31, 2007
Posted: July 30, 2007
In 2001, Central Sprinkler Company and the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary replacement program for certain Central Sprinkler, Gem and Star O–ring sprinklers. The six–year–old sprinkler recall is ending on August 31, 2007. It is recommended that facilities contact their sprinkler contractor for review if there is any question that the sprinkler heads need to be replaced. For more information, visit the website, or call the Central Sprinkler voluntary replacement program hotline at 1–800–871–3492.