NURSING HOME FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS:

REQUIRE IF FEDERAL FUNDING COMMITTED

House Bill 5993

Sponsor:  Rep. Barb Vander Veen

Committee:  Senior Health, Security, and Retirement

Complete to 5-8-06

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5993 AS INTRODUCED 4-25-06

The bill would add a new section to the Public Health Code (MCL 333.1101 et al.) to provide that a nursing home could not be licensed unless it is fully sprinklered.

Within six months after the bill's effective date, a licensed nursing home that is not fully sprinklered would be required to submit detailed plans and specifications of the installation of a fire suppression system or the retrofitting of its current system to the state fire marshal in accordance with the Fire Prevention Code.  The home would also have to provide copies of the plans and specifications to the Department of Community Health, upon request.  Each nursing home would be required to have an automatic fire suppression system approved by the State Fire Marshal installed on each floor within one year after the effective date of this section. 

Neither provision would apply unless Congress enacts the Nursing Home Fire Safety Act of 2005 or similar legislation (as determined by DCH) creating a funding mechanism for fire sprinkler retrofitting in nursing homes.  In addition, neither provision would apply until 90 days after the effective date of such federal legislation or 90 days after the effective date of the bill, whichever is later.

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 5993, as introduced, does not have any fiscal impact on the state and local unit of governments as the nursing home licensure requirement of a fire suppression system or retrofitting of a fire sprinkler system is contingent upon the enactment of federal legislation and a funding mechanism. A July 2004 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report estimates that the cost of retrofitting nursing facilities with sprinkler systems averages $7 per square foot. This cost may be higher or lower depending on factors such as abatement of asbestos.  Thus, costs for retrofitting a 40,000 square foot facility can range from $250,000 to $350,000.   

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   E. Best

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Margaret Alston

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.