0720-18-.09
Life Safety
Cite as Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0720-18-.09
(1)
Any nursing home which complies with the required applicable building and fire safety
regulations at the time the board adopts new codes or regulations will, so long as such
compliance is maintained (either with or without waivers of specific provisions), be
considered to be in compliance with the requirements of the new codes or regulations.
(2)
The nursing home shall provide fire protection by the elimination of fire hazards, by the
installation of necessary fire fighting equipment and by the adoption of a written fire control
plan. Fire drills shall be held at least quarterly for each work shift for nursing home personnel
in each separate patient-occupied nursing home building. There shall be a written report
documenting the evaluation of each drill and the action recommended or taken for any
deficiencies found. Records which document and evaluate these drills must be maintained for
at least three (3) years. All fires which result in a response by the local fire department shall
be reported to the department within seven (7) days. The report shall contain sufficient
information to ascertain the nature and location of the fire, its probable cause and any injuries
incurred by any person or persons as a result of the fire. Initial reports by the facility may omit
the name(s) of resident(s) and parties involved, however, should the department find the
STANDARDS FOR NURSING HOMES
CHAPTER 0720-18
identities of such persons to be necessary to an investigation, the facility shall provide such
information.