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ISDH has shared the below guidance they received from the Life Safety Code state leader at CMS Region V regarding a CMS waiver that applies to routine inspections, testing and maintenance (ITM) of fire safety systems in buildings. This waiver applies to multiple provider types, including certified ICF/IDD facilities. The guidance was also included in the May 7 ISDH Long Term Care Newsletter. Life Safety Code - COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Blanket Waivers for Health Care Providers – 04/29/2020 On 4/29/20, CMS issued a new list of blanket 1135 waivers that providers can use during the COVID-19 pandemic and emergency declaration. The section for physical environment waivers starts on page 23. That section contains information related to inspection, testing and maintenance of various systems that exist in a building. The language for the blanket waiver, in part, is “CMS is temporarily modifying these requirements to the extent necessary to permit these facilities to adjust scheduled inspection, testing and maintenance (ITM) frequencies and activity for activities and medical equipment.” CMS is not recommending a revised testing schedule for the various systems. Under the blanket waiver, CMS is asking each provider to evaluate their individual situation and if the facility feels there is a need to adjust the ITM schedule due to the pandemic, they’re permitted to do so. The bullets below were determined to be too critical to waive and are NOT part of the blanket waiver: Sprinkler system monthly electric motor-driven and weekly diesel engine driven fire pump testing. Portable fire extinguisher monthly inspection. Elevators with firefighters’ emergency operations monthly testing. Emergency generator 30 continuous minute monthly testing and associated transfer switch monthly testing. Means of egress daily inspection in areas that have undergone construction, repair, alterations or additions to ensure its ability to be used instantly in case of emergency. Facilities must find a way to safely adhere to the ITM requirements. Lastly, fire drills are not an activity covered under this blanket waiver and therefore are not currently waived. Complete waiver: COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Blanket Waivers for Health Care Providers – 04/29/2020 If you have questions regarding this guidance, contact Chris Greeney, QIDP, MBA, Director of Strategic Resources, Consumer Services and Health Care Regulation, Indiana State Department of Health.
ISDH has shared the below guidance they received from the Life Safety Code state leader at CMS Region V regarding a CMS waiver that applies to routine inspections, testing and maintenance (ITM) of fire safety systems in buildings. This waiver applies to multiple provider types, including certified ICF/IDD facilities. The guidance was also included in the May 7 ISDH Long Term Care Newsletter.
Life Safety Code - COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Blanket Waivers for Health Care Providers – 04/29/2020 On 4/29/20, CMS issued a new list of blanket 1135 waivers that providers can use during the COVID-19 pandemic and emergency declaration. The section for physical environment waivers starts on page 23. That section contains information related to inspection, testing and maintenance of various systems that exist in a building. The language for the blanket waiver, in part, is “CMS is temporarily modifying these requirements to the extent necessary to permit these facilities to adjust scheduled inspection, testing and maintenance (ITM) frequencies and activity for activities and medical equipment.” CMS is not recommending a revised testing schedule for the various systems. Under the blanket waiver, CMS is asking each provider to evaluate their individual situation and if the facility feels there is a need to adjust the ITM schedule due to the pandemic, they’re permitted to do so. The bullets below were determined to be too critical to waive and are NOT part of the blanket waiver:
Facilities must find a way to safely adhere to the ITM requirements. Lastly, fire drills are not an activity covered under this blanket waiver and therefore are not currently waived. Complete waiver: COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Blanket Waivers for Health Care Providers – 04/29/2020
If you have questions regarding this guidance, contact Chris Greeney, QIDP, MBA, Director of Strategic Resources, Consumer Services and Health Care Regulation, Indiana State Department of Health.