On May 4, 2016 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published the final rule to update health care facilities’ fire protection guidelines to improve protections for all Medicare beneficiaries in facilities, including long term care facilities, from fire. Unless otherwise noted, providers must comply with all the new regulations within 60 days of the rule’s May 4 publication date.

The provisions of this final rule cover construction, protection, and operational features designed to provide safety for Medicare beneficiaries from fire, smoke, and panic. Among the new provisions, long term care facilities will be able to provide more home-like items such as fixed seating in the corridor for resting and certain decorations in resident rooms.

Read the CMS press release detailing key provisions of the final rule.