SS/SCS/HCS/HBs 952 & 674 - All new long-term care facilities; assisted living facilities that accept or retain individuals with a physical, cognitive, or other impairment that prevents the individual from safely evacuating the facility with minimal assistance; and facilities completing a major renovation that are licensed by the Department of Health and Senior Services are required to install and maintain an approved sprinkler system in accordance with the standards of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) by August 28, 2007. All existing residential care and assisted living facilities with more than 20 residents must install and maintain an approved sprinkler system by December 31, 2012. Long-term care, skilled nursing, and intermediate care facilities must install and maintain an approved sprinkler system by December 31, 2012, unless they receive an exemption from the department or meet the safety requirements of Chapter 33 of NFPA 101. A loan is available for qualifying facilities, and a payment schedule is provided for up to ten years. Also, all new facilities are required to have complete fire alarm systems in place by August 28, 2007, with current facilities in compliance by December 1, 2008. Any facility licensed as an intermediate care facility prior to August 28, 2006, that provides the services of an assisted living facility, utilizing the social model of care, may advertise itself as an assisted living facility without obtaining a license from the department to operate as an assisted living facility. These provisions are substantially similar to provisions in SS/SCS/SB 3 (Perfected version - 2007). ADRIANE CROUSE
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