AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

2006 NH "Dear Administrator" Letters

November 30, 2006

ADSA: NH #2006-028
FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR USE OF ALCOHOL BASED HAND RUBS (ABHRs) AND INSTALLATION OF BATTERY POWERED SMOKE ALARMS

Dear Nursing Home/Facility Administrator:

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently published final rules concerning fire safety requirements related to alcohol based hand rubs (ABHRs) and battery powered smoke alarms for certain health care facilities, including nursing homes and Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally Retarded.

Effective October 23, 2006, the final rule on fire safety requirements related to the use of ABHRs and battery powered smoke alarms deleted certain terms such as “vulnerable populations” and added new terminology such as “smoke alarms” and “common areas”. The rule clarifies and defines other terms.

The final rule includes added language that requires dispensers to be maintained in accordance with dispenser manufacturer guidelines. Facilities are also required to have a program for inspection, testing, maintenance and battery replacement that conforms to the manufacturer’s recommendations and that verifies correct operation of the smoke alarms.

You may access the final published regulation here:

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your RCS Field Manager.

Sincerely,

Joyce Pashley Stockwell, Director
Residential Care Services