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Monday, June 4, 2018
Question:
Re: CQD answer published Friday, May 11, 2018 -
Incomplete answer. The governing body of the facility first must define the room usages on site, hospital, Limited care or nursing care. Only the governing body has authority to do this not the Inspector, then can the level of care is determined, the proper type of required receptacles can be determined. Question. In exam rooms what level of car is given, and who set that?
Bill Schell
A
Answer:
Hey Bill thanks for your follow up comment. The term "Governing Body" was added as a new definition in 517.2 for the 2017 NEC. Informational Note 1 to the "Patient Care Space" definition also in 517.2 indicates that the governing body designates the patient care space based on the type of patient care anticipated. The Informational note to Basic Care (Category 3) Space gives examples such as examination or treatment rooms in clinics, medical and dental offices among others. Section 4.2 of NFPA 99-2018 Health Care Facilities Code, requires the governing body to conduct a risk assessment and determine the risk categories. Interestingly A 4.1 of NFPA 99-2018 indicates a potential example of a doctor's office/exam room risk to be a Category 4 Space.
The type of care anticipated is used (by the governing body) to determine the category of care space - using the defined terms. If more that "basic care" is being done then it probably shouldn't be called an exam room. As previously stated, hospital grade receptacles are only required at patient bed locations as stated in 517.18(B) and 517.19(B)(2) and in operating rooms as stated in 517.19(C)(2), not in exam rooms.