https://www.ashe.org/ en Fri, 22 May 2026 06:30:37 -0500 Mon, 20 Apr 26 11:13:30 -0500 https://www.ashe.org/education-events/responsible-facility-authority-medical-gas-vacuum-systems-june-2026-live-online-training <p>This four-hour live training provides a comprehensive introduction for hospital-based facilities professionals to the role of the <strong>Responsible Facility Authority (RFA)</strong> as defined in <strong>NFPA 99 Health Care Facilities Code</strong>. Participants will learn the essential responsibilities, required qualifications, as well as best practices for ensuring the safety, reliability, and compliance of medical gas and vacuum systems in health care facilities. Through real-world examples, risk assessments, and process-based instruction, this course equips facility leaders to effectively oversee medical gas system operations, maintenance, construction, and emergency planning. Immediately following the course, attendees can take an online qualification exam, which if passed confers ASHE’s Responsible Facility Authority for Medical Gas and Vacuum Systems Qualification.</p><p> </p><h3>Learning Objectives</h3><ul><li>Explain the role of the Responsible Facility Authority (RFA) and its importance in ensuring NFPA 99 compliance and patient safety.</li><li>Assess medical gas and vacuum systems using NFPA 99 to support safe operations, maintenance, and decision‑making.</li><li>Implement core RFA responsibilities, including documentation management, personnel qualification verification, and performance oversight.</li><li>Manage system impairments, emergency responses, and shutdown/restore processes using structured procedures and communication plans.</li><li>Administer a compliant permit‑to‑work process that ensures safe construction, renovation, and maintenance activities involving medical gas systems.</li></ul><h3>Who Should Attend?</h3><ul><li>Health Care facility-based facility managers/supervisors</li><li>Technicians</li><li>Safety & compliance leaders</li></ul><h3>CECS</h3><p>4.0</p><h3>Instructor</h3><p>Dave Dagenais, CHFM, CHSP, FASHE - Director of Plant Operations, Clinical Engineering, Emergency Management, and Safety Officer, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital</p><h3><em>Special introductory price for the first-time offering of this course!</em></h3><p><a href="https://www.ashe.org/education/responsible-facility-authority-medical-gas-vacuum-systems">View complete program information >></a></p> Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:13:30 -0500 National Fire Protection Association - Health Care Facilities Code (NFPA 99) https://www.ashe.org/nfpa-seeks-comments-proposed-weapons-detection-amendment-life-safety-code Tue, 17 Feb 2026 13:06:12 -0600 National Fire Protection Association - Health Care Facilities Code (NFPA 99) https://www.ashe.org/nfpa-99-cybersecurity-chapter-public-input <p>The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is requesting feedback on a newly proposed chapter focused on cybersecurity for the 2027 edition of NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities Code.</p><p>In light of past cybersecurity breaches involving building systems, the American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE) endorses the effort to create general cybersecurity standards or regulations to help prevent future incidents and mitigate their impact on patient care.</p><p>ASHE is seeking input from its members on the proposed chapter to ensure that the requirements effectively protect hospitals and their patients without creating unnecessary burdens. Please review the proposed chapter and submit your feedback by <span><strong>May 26</strong></span>.</p><p>ASHE has provided a draft of the proposed chapter to its members with an opportunity to submit a modification included after each section. Items preceded with an “A” are annex information and are intended to be explanatory and not enforceable. Forms to comment on the proposed chapter in general or inquire about committee participation are available at the end of the draft.</p><p>The statement below from the NFPA 99 committee explains the intent of the proposed chapter and encourages committee participation.</p><p>Statement from the NFPA 99 committee: <em>“Requirements for cybersecurity within the health care environment are not currently codified in NFPA 99. This committee input is the initial proposal for a new chapter on cybersecurity. The committee is soliciting public comment from stakeholders on this draft. Its inclusion as Chapter 8 is the initial proposal, but if public comments provide a better location this will help the committee in the final version of this new chapter. The committee is also seeking expertise to participate in a task group that will work to develop public comments between the first and second draft.”</em></p><p><a class="btn btn-primary btn-small" href="https://www.ashe.org/propose-modification-nfpa-99-cybersecurity-chapter" target="_blank" title="Submit Comments (Members-Only)" roll="button">Submit Comments (Members-Only)</a></p> Thu, 23 Jan 2025 14:35:55 -0600 National Fire Protection Association - Health Care Facilities Code (NFPA 99) https://www.ashe.org/education-events/application-nfpa-99-health-care-facilities-program-oct-2025-live-online <p>Are you ready for your next survey? Have you implemented all NPFA 99 requirements?  These programs will help facilities comply with the 2012 edition of NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities Code, which was adopted by CMS as a Condition of Participation. CMS has made many NFPA 99 requirements retroactive and the number of related citations and observations has increased significantly. These courses are designed to walk facility managers through the new Conditions of Participation. The new deep dive programs will help facility technicians understand provisions of the 2012 edition and specifically focus on the operation and maintenance code requirements.</p><h3><small>Learning Outcomes:</small></h3><ul><li>Navigate through NFPA 99 with the ability to locate information</li><li>Identify and implement prescriptive inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements located in NFPA 99</li><li>Determine which aspects of the 2012 edition of NFPA 99 pertain to new facilities, and which requirements pertain to existing facilities</li><li>Assess a health facility’s compliance with requirements of NFPA 99</li></ul><h3><small>CECs:</small></h3><p>This course offers <strong>7 CECs</strong>. Credit hours can be used toward the renewal of the Certified Health Care Facility Manager (CHFM) credential and the Certified Health Care Constructor (CHC) credential.</p><p><a href="https://www.ashe.org/education/application-nfpa-99"><strong>View complete program information here >></strong></a></p> Mon, 28 Oct 2024 09:45:10 -0500 National Fire Protection Association - Health Care Facilities Code (NFPA 99) https://www.ashe.org/education-events/application-nfpa-99-health-care-facilities-program-oct-2024-hosted-cnyshe <p><a href="https://www.nyhcfc.org"><strong>Hosted by CNYSHE</strong></a><br><br>Are you ready for your next survey? Have you implemented all NPFA 99 requirements? These programs will help facilities comply with the 2012 edition of NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities Code, which was adopted by CMS as a Condition of Participation. CMS has made many NFPA 99 requirements retroactive and the number of related citations and observations has increased significantly. These courses are designed to walk facility managers through the new Conditions of Participation. The new deep dive programs will help facility technicians understand provisions of the 2012 edition and specifically focus on the operation and maintenance code requirements.</p><p>Deciphering the <em>NFPA 101®: Life Safety Code®</em> (2012 edition) is an intricate process. This course will provide you and your team with the information and resources you need to manage your facility’s life safety program. This cost-effective opportunity ensures you are equipped to manage programs as standards change, and connects you with other industry professionals.</p><h3><small>Learning Outcomes:</small></h3><ul><li>Navigate through NFPA 99 with the ability to locate information.</li><li>Identify and implement prescriptive inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements located in NFPA 99.</li><li>Determine which aspects of the 2012 edition of NFPA 99 pertain to new facilities, and which requirements pertain to existing facilities.</li><li>Assess a health facility’s compliance with requirements of NFPA 99.</li></ul><h3><small>CECs:</small></h3><p>This course offers <strong>7 CECs</strong>. Credit hours can be used toward the renewal of the Certified Health Care Facility Manager (CHFM) credential and the Certified Health Care Constructor (CHC) credential.</p><p><a href="https://www.ashe.org/education/application-nfpa-99"><strong>View complete program information here >></strong></a></p> Fri, 23 Aug 2024 10:28:27 -0500 National Fire Protection Association - Health Care Facilities Code (NFPA 99) https://www.ashe.org/data-request-concealed-fire-sprinklers <p>The American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE) is actively gathering data on concealed fire sprinklers to enhance safety protocols. Concealed sprinklers, defined in NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, and referenced in NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, are designed with a cover plate to aesthetically blend into the ceiling, making them less obtrusive. However, this design necessitates periodic inspection to ensure functionality and prevent premature activation. In 2022, the NFPA 25 committee proposed a five-year inspection interval to align with other maintenance activities requiring similar equipment, optimizing resource utilization. </p><p>This initiative underscores the commitment to continuous improvement in safety measures, acknowledging the balance between thorough inspection processes and practical considerations of cost and effort for facility owners and inspectors. The technical committee's decision, despite some opposition, indicates a consensus on the importance of these inspections while also recognizing the need for a pragmatic approach to their implementation.</p><p>ASHE requests that you submit your data by <span><strong>April 15, 2025,</strong></span> so that we can help develop a practical method for ensuring concealed fire sprinklers remain functional. Please <a href="https://www.ashe.org/system/files/media/file/2024/07/Concealed_Sprinkler_Inspection_Form_July_2024.xlsx">download the Excel document</a> linked below, follow the steps on the Instructions tab and record your data in the Form tab. Once you have completed your inspection and recorded relevant data, please upload your form to this <a href="https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/d200746cc1ce401ab3eb8150e54909eb">Data Portal</a>.</p><p>If you have any questions about the project, please contact <a href="mailto:jim.peterkin@tlc-eng.com">Jim Peterkin</a>.</p><p><a class="btn btn-primary btn-small" href="https://www.ashe.org/system/files/media/file/2024/07/Concealed_Sprinkler_Inspection_Form_July_2024.xlsx" target="_blank" title="Data Portal" roll="button">Excel Document</a> <a class="btn btn-primary btn-small" href="https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/d200746cc1ce401ab3eb8150e54909eb" target="_blank" title="Data Portal" roll="button">Data Portal</a></p> Tue, 30 Jul 2024 11:22:06 -0500 National Fire Protection Association - Health Care Facilities Code (NFPA 99) https://www.ashe.org/education-events/application-nfpa-99-health-care-facilities-program-april-2023-live-online-training <p>Are you ready for your next survey? Have you implemented all NPFA 99 requirements? These programs will help facilities comply with the 2012 edition of NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities Code, which was adopted by CMS as a Condition of Participation. CMS has made many NFPA 99 requirements retroactive and the number of related citations and observations has increased significantly. These courses are designed to walk facility managers through the new Conditions of Participation. The new deep dive programs will help facility technicians understand provisions of the 2012 edition and specifically focus on the operation and maintenance code requirements.</p> <p>Deciphering the <em>NFPA 101®: Life Safety Code®</em> (2012 edition) is an intricate process. This course will provide you and your team with the information and resources you need to manage your facility’s life safety program. This cost-effective opportunity ensures you are equipped to manage programs as standards change, and connects you with other industry professionals.</p> <h3><small>Learning Outcomes: </small></h3> <ul> <li>Navigate through NFPA 99 with the ability to locate information.</li> <li>Identify and implement prescriptive inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements located in NFPA 99.</li> <li>Determine which aspects of the 2012 edition of NFPA 99 pertain to new facilities, and which requirements pertain to existing facilities.</li> <li>Assess a health facility’s compliance with requirements of NFPA 99.</li> </ul> <h3><small>Speaker:</small></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Michael Crowley, PE, FASHE, FSFPE</strong>, President, Crowley Consulting</li> </ul> <h3><small>CEC's:</small></h3> <p>This course offers <strong>7 CECs</strong>. Credit hours can be used toward the renewal of the Certified Health Care Facility Manager (CHFM) credential and the Certified Health Care Constructor (CHC) credential.</p> Fri, 03 Feb 2023 15:02:03 -0600 National Fire Protection Association - Health Care Facilities Code (NFPA 99) https://www.ashe.org/advocacy/orgs/nfpa <h1>National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)</h1><p><a href="http://www.nfpa.org" target="_blank">www.nfpa.org</a></p><p>The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) establishes codes, standards, guidelines, and recommended practices for the prevention and control of fire. While the NFPA does not enforce the codes, they are extensively referenced by federal, state and local government agencies and including the Joint Commission and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).</p><p><a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://www.ashe.org/resources/outsideguidance.shtml">NFPA interpretations and resources >></a></p><p> </p> Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 -0600 National Fire Protection Association - Health Care Facilities Code (NFPA 99)