How new NFPA code can affect security department responsibilities.

The latest edition of the "101 Life Safety Code" published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides significant options for hospitals and other healthcare facilities during renovation and new construction projects in jurisdictions adopting the latest code and pertinent chapter. Changes in the healthcare chapters of the code effective February 11, 2000 stipulate conditions for the first time under which smoking may be approved, according to Tom Bulow, a Tucson, AZ, healthcare consultant and current chairman of the codes and standards review committee for the healthcare section of NFPA. Bulow also advises hospital officials "to expect a significant change in equipment and devices required in a hospital setting" as a result of an upcoming vote on a revision of the "NFPA 99 Health Care Facilities Code," an operational code.