Fire and Life Safety

AHCA/NCAL provides member support around fire safety and life safety issues by providing education, developing tools, offering consultation, and through on-going advocacy.  The AHCA Emergency Preparedness and Life Safety Committee specifically focuses on these areas.  The committee includes members that are active within the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).  This includes representation on the NFPA Healthcare Section Executive Board and various other committees.  

AHCA/NCAL is actively involved in the code development process by maintaining representation on various technical committees including the NFPA Technical Committee on Healthcare Occupancies (The Life Safety Code®, Chapters 18-21).  AHCA/NCAL is also a sitting member of the Healthcare Interpretations Task Force (HITF).  This is a collaborative group, facilitated by NFPA staff, that includes CMS and other authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) where code related issues can be discussed and consistent interpretations developed.  

AHCA/NCAL participates in the International Code Council (building and fire codes) code development process and provides input to the Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) in the development of the Guidelines for Design and Construction of Residential Health, Care, and Support Facilities document.  This document is utilized in most states’ development of the nursing center licensing standards and other architectural and building guidelines for both skilled nursing centers and assisted living communities.