AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

2005 NH "Dear Administrator" Letters

September 23, 2005

ADSA: NH #2005-027
Adoption of a New Fire Safety Amendment for the Installation & Use of Alcohol Based Hand Rub (ABHR) dispensers

Dear Nursing Facility/Home Administrator:

Recently the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) amended the 2000 edition of the Life Safety Code (LSC), which is adopted by reference in the Medicare and Medicaid fire safety regulations. The amendment now permits the installation of Alcohol Based Hand Rub dispensers (ABHR) in exit corridors of health care facilities.

An interpretation of the amendment will be written by the Fire Protection Bureau. It will include how the deputies have been instructed to enforce the interpretation.

Residential Care Services (RCS) staff will continue to inspect for safety issues regarding access to the dispensers by vulnerable populations and the use of Alcohol Based Hand Rubs for infection control issues.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) website is the best source for accessing the most current information available. The changes can be found at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/medicaid/survey-cert/letters.asp .

Please work closely with your Deputy Fire Marshal on the development and implementation of your facility policies for the installation of ABHR dispensers.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Joyce Pashley Stockwell, Director
Residential Care Services