Recently published, the purpose of the 2012 edition of the National Fire Protection Association Health Care Facilities Code (NFPA 99) is to establish criteria for the safety of patients and healthcare personnel against fire, explosion, and electrical and related hazards within healthcare facilities. This new document represents a major overhaul from the previous 2005 version, incorporating the change of premise from an occupancy- to risk-based document.

Additionally, NFPA 99 was changed from a “standard” to a “code” to reflect how the document is routinely used and adopted by municipalities. The code review cycle was extended from the standard three-year to a seven-year cycle to accommodate these changes.

As a member of the Technical Committee on electrical systems, I had the opportunity to participate in the revision of this section of the document. The primary responsibility of the committee was to develop the minimum requirements for performance, testing, maintenance, operations, and failure management of electrical systems, low voltage systems, wireless technologies, infomatics and telemedicine to safeguard patients, staff, and visitors within healthcare facilities.

NFPA99 is adopted and enforced by most local and state municipal entities across the United States. Large portions of this document are excerpted verbatim into Article 517 (Health Care Facilities) of the National Electric Code (NFPA 70).

My participation in the revision of this document further reinforces Dewberry’s reputation as experts in the healthcare engineering and design field. I’m fortunate and appreciative to have been afforded the opportunity to participate in this committee.