CMS Responds to ANCOR Letter on ICF/IID Life Safety Code Regulations

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) responded to ANCOR’s February 26 letter requesting a two-year delay of enforcement of a particular section of a fire safety regulation for providers of Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID). ANCOR requested the delay because of challenges specific to the installation of sprinklers in attics.

As written in CMS’ response:

“CMS has no waiver authority for these requirements and no authority to further delay the phase-in period. Nor would it be prudent for us to support any such delay when balanced against the risks that are present for the ICF/IID clients.”

ANCOR is meeting with CMS officials this week to continue the discussion and explore possibilities for assistance to ICF/IID as the compliance date approaches. To keep posted on the latest, please contact [email protected] and join ANCOR’s ICF/IID Community of Practice.