[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 42, Volume 3]

[Revised as of October 1, 2005]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 42CFR482.41]



[Page 495-496]

 

                         TITLE 42--PUBLIC HEALTH

 

  CHAPTER IV--CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF 

                  HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED)

 

PART 482_CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION FOR HOSPITALS--Table of Contents

 

                   Subpart C_Basic Hospital Functions

 

Sec. 482.41  Condition of participation: Physical environment.



    The hospital must be constructed, arranged, and maintained to ensure 

the safety of the patient, and to provide facilities for diagnosis and 

treatment and for special hospital services appropriate to the needs of 

the community.

    (a) Standard: Buildings. The condition of the physical plant and the 

overall hospital environment must be developed and maintained in such a 

manner that the safety and well-being of patients are assured.

    (1) There must be emergency power and lighting in at least the 

operating, recovery, intensive care, and emergency rooms, and 

stairwells. In all other areas not serviced by the emergency supply 

source, battery lamps and flashlights must be available.

    (2) There must be facilities for emergency gas and water supply.

    (b) Standard: Life safety from fire. (1) Except as otherwise 

provided in this section--

    (i) The hospital must meet the applicable provisions of the 2000 

edition of the Life Safety Code of the National Fire Protection 

Association. The Director of the Office of the Federal Register has 

approved the NFPA 101 [reg] 2000 edition of the Life Safety 

Code, issued January 14, 2000, for incorporation by reference in 

accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. A copy of the Code is 

available for inspection at the CMS Information Resource Center, 7500 

Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD or at the National Archives and 

Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of 

this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://

www.archives.gov/federal--register/code--of--federal--regulations/ibr--

locations.html. Copies may be obtained from the National Fire Protection 

Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269. If any changes in 

this edition of the Code are incorporated by reference, CMS will publish 

notice in the Federal Register to announce the changes.

    (ii) Chapter 19.3.6.3.2, exception number 2 of the adopted edition 

of the LSC does not apply to hospitals.

    (2) After consideration of State survey agency findings, CMS may 

waive



[[Page 496]]



specific provisions of the Life Safety Code which, if rigidly applied, 

would result in unreasonable hardship upon the facility, but only if the 

waiver does not adversely affect the health and safety of the patients.

    (3) The provisions of the Life Safety Code do not apply in a State 

where CMS finds that a fire and safety code imposed by State law 

adequately protects patients in hospitals.

    (4) Beginning March 13, 2006, a hospital must be in compliance with 

Chapter 19.2.9, Emergency Lighting.

    (5) Beginning March 13, 2006, Chapter 19.3.6.3.2, exception number 2 

does not apply to hospitals.

    (6) The hospital must have procedures for the proper routine storage 

and prompt disposal of trash.

    (7) The hospital must have written fire control plans that contain 

provisions for prompt reporting of fires; extinguishing fires; 

protection of patients, personnel and guests; evacuation; and 

cooperation with fire fighting authorities.

    (8) The hospital must maintain written evidence of regular 

inspection and approval by State or local fire control agencies.

    (9) Notwithstanding any provisions of the 2000 edition of the Life 

Safety Code to the contrary, a hospital may install alcohol-based hand 

rub dispensers in its facility if--

    (i) Use of alcohol-based hand rub dispensers does not conflict with 

any State or local codes that prohibit or otherwise restrict the 

placement of alcohol-based hand rub dispensers in health care 

facilities;

    (ii) The dispensers are installed in a manner that minimizes leaks 

and spills that could lead to falls;

    (iii) The dispensers are installed in a manner that adequately 

protects against access by vulnerable populations; and

    (iv) The dispensers are installed in accordance with chapter 

18.3.2.7 or chapter 19.3.2.7 of the 2000 edition of the Life Safety 

Code, as amended by NFPA Temporary Interim Amendment 00-1(101), issued 

by the Standards Council of the National Fire Protection Association on 

April 15, 2004. The Director of the Office of the Federal Register has 

approved NFPA Temporary Interim Amendment 00-1(101) for incorporation by 

reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. A copy 

of the amendment is available for inspection at the CMS Information 

Resource Center, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD and at the 

Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street NW., Suite 700, 

Washington, DC. Copies may be obtained from the National Fire Protection 

Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269. If any additional 

changes are made to this amendment, CMS will publish notice in the 

Federal Register to announce the changes.

    (c) Standard: Facilities. The hospital must maintain adequate 

facilities for its services.

    (1) Diagnostic and therapeutic facilities must be located for the 

safety of patients.

    (2) Facilities, supplies, and equipment must be maintained to ensure 

an acceptable level of safety and quality.

    (3) The extent and complexity of facilities must be determined by 

the services offered.

    (4) There must be proper ventilation, light, and temperature 

controls in pharmaceutical, food preparation, and other appropriate 

areas.



[51 FR 22042, June 17, 1986, as amended at 53 FR 11509, Apr. 7, 1988; 68 

FR 1386, Jan. 10, 2003; 69 FR 49267, Aug. 11, 2004; 70 FR 15238, Mar. 

25, 2005]