CMS proposes sprinkler waiver for long-term facilities

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have proposed a waiver for certain long-term care facilities that are undergoing construction and cannot meet an August deadline for becoming fully sprinklered, according to a March 22 email notice the American Society for Healthcare Engineering sent to its members. Under current rules, all buildings containing long-term care facilities are required to have automatic sprinkler systems installed throughout by Aug. 13. Under the proposed rule, published on page 9243 of the Feb. 7 Federal Register, long-term care facilities in certain situations would be allowed to apply for an extension.

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