Attached is the new CMS Survey and Certification Letter, “Provisions of the Final Rule Regarding Adoption of New Fire Safety Requirements for ABHRs and Installation of Battery Powered Smoke  Alarms” (11/1/06).  This letter does NOT have new language in it from the 9/22/06 Final Rule. 

<<S&C-07-01.ABHR&SmokeAlarms.doc>>

The Letter highlights the changes made in the September 22, 2006,  Final Rule, "Medicare & Medicaid Programs: Fire Safety Requirements for Certain Health Care Facilities" and clarifies terminology and/or definitions regarding alcohol based hand rubs (ABHRs), including requirements for maintenance in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines, and installation, testing, maintenance, and battery replacement  of battery-powered smoke alarms. 

 
Following is the link to the posting on the CMS Website that includes both the S & C Letter and the Final Rule, "Medicare & Medicaid Programs: Fire Safety Requirements for Certain Health Care Facilities", published on 9/22/06.   *Please note that this is a zipped file.    
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/surveycertificationgeninfo/pmsr/itemdetail.asp?filterType=none&filterByDID=0&sortByDID=4&sortOrder=descending&itemID=CMS1188368