By August 13, 2013, all nursing homes in the country must have sprinklers protecting them.

 

In releasing its long-awaited sprinkler rule yesterday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services set a five-year phase in period for installation. During that period, every nursing home without sprinklers must retrofit the facility with this equipment.

 

CMS estimates the installation work will cost $846.7 million over the five-year phase-in period.

 

This regulation stems from two terrible nursing home fires in 2003 that collectively killed 31 residents. Neither of those facilities had sprinklers protecting the residents, which was a factor in the death tolls.

 

Look for full details and analysis in an upcoming issue of Healthcare Life Safety Compliance.