What’s new: CMS released revisions to S&C: 17-15-LSC, the memo on the use of the Fire Safety Evaluation System (FSES).

• The revisions negate the need for a waiver and allow SNFs to achieve a passing score once again on the FSES without any impact on the fire safety of the facility.  
• The changes came about because in August CMS approved the use of the 2001 FSES Mandatory Values found in the 2001 edition of NFPA 101A.

Zooming in: Facilities may now use NFPA 101A, 2013 edition, of the FSES.

• As of October 1, 2022, Existing NF/SNF certified and with a previously approved FSES prior to July 5, 2016, may now use the mandatory values in NFPA 101A, 2001 edition.
• Time-limited waivers previously allowed for existing NF/SNF that had an FSES on record prior to July 5, 2016, are rescinded with the adoption of the FSES mandatory values in NFPA 101A, 2001 edition.

Next steps: CMS will add these updates to Appendix I to align with this revision.