CMS releases memorandum on Life Safety Code provisions

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) Survey & Certification Group issued a memorandum last month concerning waivers allowing health care facilities to take advantage of certain provisions of the 2012 edition of the National Fire Protection Asso­ciation's NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. Specifically, the memorandum states it will consider waivers to permit facilities to take advantage of changes allowing previously restricted items to be placed in exit corridors; a kitchen to be open to an exit corridor under certain circumstances; the installation of direct-vent gas fireplaces and solid fuel burning fireplaces; and the installation of combustible decorations in certain areas.

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