The 2012 edition of the Life Safety Code offers new design and compliance options for health care facilities that didn't exist in earlier editions. Because not all jurisdictions use the same edition of the code, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Joint Commission permit the use of the 2012 edition in its entirety or on a single-element basis. This monograph provides an exhaustive list of the changes in the new edition and a detailed comparison with the 2000 and 2009 editions to help users determine the best course for their facility.

The monograph presents three different approaches to upgrading from the 2000 edition to the 2009 or 2012 edition, depending on whether it is being applied to a new hospital, and existing hospital with Joint Commission accreditation, or an existing hospital certified by CMS. Information on waivers and equivalencies for using the newer editions of the code are also included, along with sample letters for seeking waivers and equivalencies.