Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee
Title 0720 - Health Facilities Commission
Chapter 0720-14 - Standards for Hospitals
Section 0720-14-.09 - LIFE SAFETY

(1) Any hospital which complies with the required applicable building and fire safety regulations at the time the board adopts new codes or regulations will, so long as such compliance is maintained (either with or without waivers of specific provisions), be considered to be in compliance with the requirements of the new codes or regulations.

(2) The hospital shall provide fire protection by the elimination of fire hazards, by the installation of necessary fire fighting equipment and by the adoption of a written fire control plan. Fire drills shall be held at least quarterly for each work shift for hospital personnel in each separate patient-occupied hospital building. There shall be a written report documenting the evaluation of each drill and the action recommended or taken for any deficiencies found. Records which document and evaluate these drills must be maintained for at least three (3) years. All fires which result in a response by the local fire department shall be reported to the department within seven (7) days. The report shall contain sufficient information to ascertain the nature and location of the fire, its probable cause and any injuries incurred by any person or persons as a result of the fire. Initial reports by the facility may omit the name(s) of patient(s) and parties involved, however, should the department find the identities of such persons to be necessary to an investigation, the facility shall provide such information.