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Emergency Generator Requirements

PDF Version of 99-030 (PDF, 6 KB)

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DATE: May 21, 1999 DSL-BQA-99-030

TO: Ambulatory Surgical Centers ASC 3

FROM: Rita Prigioni, Interim Director, Bureau of Quality Assurance

Enclosed is a copy of Life Safety Code Regional Program Letter No. 99-01 [not available via the Internet] which is intended to clarify the requirements of an emergency generator in ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs).

This Regional Program Letter indicates that each facility currently participating in the Medicare program as an ASC is required [42 CFR 416.44 (exit DHS)] to meet the Life Safety Code (LSC) of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The 1985 LSC and 1991 LSC require compliance with NFPA 99; hence, a generator is required for those facilities admitting patients requiring electrical life support or where inhalation anesthetics are administered.

The Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) is considering adoption of the 1997 LSC. Once adopted, all new and existing ASCs in the program will be required to meet NFPA 99, which requires a generator in all facilities with critical care areas (i.e. operating rooms). One exception exists; see the attachment.

Please reference NFPA 110 for emergency generator inspection and monthly testing requirements and NFPA 72 for emergency generator fuel supply capacity and sources.

If you have any questions, please contact your Bureau of Quality Assurance engineer.

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