CMS Requires Most Hospitals to Install Automatic Sprinklers

High-rise hospitals and health-care facilities will be required to install automatic sprinkler systems within 12 years and take other fire safety precautions, according to a final rule released by the CMS May 3.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services final rule (RIN:0938-AR72), to be published in the Federal Register May 4, said the sprinkler requirement will affect health-care facilities taller than 75 feet.

The fire safety provisions cover construction, protection and operational features designed to provide safety for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries from fire, smoke and panic, the agency said.

The final rule adopts the National Fire Protection Association’s ...