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The Healthcare Interpretations Task Force (HITF)

Streamlining Interpretations For Healthcare Fire Protection Issues
Often we in healthcare have had opposing or conflicting interpretations of various code issues by different Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Because of the number and variety of groups that evaluate all aspects of the service and performance of a healthcare facility, slight differences in interpretations of applicable codes and standards can arise. The Healthcare Interpretations Task Force (HITF) exists to help reconcile organizational differences of opinion.

Formed 1998, the HITF is a unique coalition of the major organizations that impact the healthcare community in terms of fire protection related issues. This coalition is comprised of representatives from:

  • American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE)
  • American Health Care Association (AHCA)
  • International Fire Marshals Association (IFMA)
  • Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) formerly Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA)
  • Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
  • Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

In essence, the Task Force brings together the seven key organizations (CMS, JCAHO, IFMA, VA, NFPA, ASHE, and AHCA), to the table to evaluate and debate, and engage the resources of the talent pool to establish consistent interpretations of specific questions. As with any code or standard, one's perspective, background and experience may cause a slightly different opinion as to what is intended or meant by a particular requirement. A thorough, thoughtful debate, including some historical perspective, background or case history with a particular issue, results in a cohesive melding of the minds. The result is an interpretation that makes sense and that can be applied by the various enforcement agencies that look at the fire protection features in a healthcare facility. This process will bring a great deal of consistency to the myriad issues with which a healthcare facility must deal, often times with, multiple, key authorities having jurisdiction. While the debate and discussions are open to all seven parties, the actual voting by the committee is limited to the four authority having jurisdiction members; IFMA, CMS, JCAHO and VA. In addition, three of the four voting members must be in agreement about a particular answer to a particular question.

The mission statement, paraphrased below, captures the essence of what this group hopes to establish during its existence.

To provide consistent interpretations on national codes and standards referenced by CMS, JCAHO and state and territorial authorities having jurisdiction. This will be accomplished through the evaluation of field conditions, surveyor/inspector/fire marshal interpretations, and questions by consumers of these services generated through a member of the task force.

In this process, nothing the task force does is intended to usurp the power or authority of an NFPA Technical Committee who still has ultimate responsibility for rendering formal interpretations to their respective documents. In fact, the task force will actually recommend forwarding unresolved items to the appropriate NFPA Technical Committee for a formal interpretation, or as individual members, recommending changes to NFPA codes and standards to clarify certain issues.

Questions for the Task Force must come in through one of the member organizations. ASHE members should submit interpretation questions to Doug Erickson at derick@bigplanet.com or Tim Adams at tadams@aha.org.