New CMS survey-cert letter on new fire safety requirements has been posted  (the zip file contains the new S&C letter and a copy of the final rule)

 

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/downloads/SCLetter07-01.zip

 

Or

 

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/PMSR/list.asp#TopOfPage 

 

then scroll down to (or do a search for 07-01): 

 

New Fire Safety Requirements for the Use of (ABHRs) and Installation of Battery Powered Smoke Alarms

07-01

11/01/2006

2007

 

Details for New Fire Safety Requirements for the Use of (ABHRs) and Installation of Battery Powered Smoke Alarms

 

Title              New Fire Safety Requirements for the Use of (ABHRs) and Installation of Battery Powered Smoke Alarms

Memo #        07-01

Posting Date 11/01/2006

Fiscal Year    2007

Summary  This letter highlights the final rule concerning fire safety requirements for Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Nursing Homes, Religious Non-Medical Health Care Institutions, Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Facilities, Critical Access Hospitals, and Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally Retarded. Regarding ABHRs, the final rule clarifies terminology and adds a requirement for maintenance in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations. Regarding battery powered smoke alarms, the final rule changed terminology and defined the terms 'common areas' and 'fully sprinklered.' The maintenance requirements were modified to include manufacturer's recommendations.