HFES FAQs – Long Term Care HVAC Backup Power

Question:

Regarding generator, the generator will be connected to all the central HVAC units throughout the building.  Is it a state requirement to have the generator connected to all individual P-tac units inside each of the resident rooms?  Or is that optional?   

Answer: 

Typically, the PTACs are needed to maintain the required temperature range for patient comfort and safety. If so and there is a loss of power, the facility will need to have these PTACS provided with emergency power for the required time period that emergency power is mandated. Our 2020 Health Facilities Licensing rules now require 72 hrs. Previously the Minimum Design Standards requirement was for 24 hrs.

In some cases, the resident room is provided with supply air from a central heating unit on emergency power and the PTAC is needed only as auxiliary heating and cooling. The central HVAC unit is shown via engineering calculations during plan review to be able to keep the room within the required temperature range for the required time period. In this case, the PTAC would not be required to be on emergency power.

Rule 301 (2) “Emergency electrical service must be capable of providing a minimum of 72 hours of service and more than 72 hours if required by the facility’s emergency preparedness plan. A freestanding surgical outpatient facility may reduce this requirement in accordance with its emergency preparedness plan to evacuate the facility.”

Note also that Rule 267 states, “An existing licensed health facility that is not in compliance with the provisions of these rules may be permitted to continue in use so long as the facility is sufficient to protect patient health and safety and provide services, unless the department determines that such use constitutes a hazard.”

To help clarify the temperature range for long term care facilities see the CMS Interpretive Guidelines Appendix PP under tag F584 Safe Environment:

While facilities certified after October 1, 1990, are required to maintain an air temperature range of 71-81°F, there may be brief periods of time where that temperature falls outside of that range only during rare, brief periods of unseasonable weather. This interpretation would apply in cases where it does not adversely affect resident health and safety, and facility staff took appropriate steps to ensure resident comfort. This would enable facilities in areas of the country with relatively cold or hot climates to avoid the expense of installing equipment that would only be needed infrequently. 

PROCEDURES §483.10(i)

Verify the air temperature above floor level in resident rooms, dining areas, and common areas. If the temperature is out of the 71-81° F range, then ask staff what actions they take when residents complain of heat or cold, such as, providing extra fluids during heat waves and extra blankets and sweaters in cold.