(Oct. 2, 2026) – The Kansas Healthcare Engineers Association enjoyed a successful fall meeting last week in Manhattan. Many valuable topics were presented over the day-and-a-half. One presentation came from the Kansas Office of the State Fire Marshal. Some key takeaways from their update are as follows:
- They are in the process of updating the Fire Prevention Code for Kansas, with a target of legislative approval and completion in July 2027.
- The new fire code will have minimal effect on hospitals, as they will still be surveyed under 2012 NFPA 101, per the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
- OSFM is updating its website, fire inspection software and available resources.
Out of 104 health care inspections in 2026, they shared the following top deficiencies:
- K353 – Sprinkler System Maintenance (89 percent)
- K511 – Gas/Electrical – Open Junctions (66 percent)
- K363 – Corridors – Doors (60 percent)
- K712 – Fire Drills (50 percent)
- K920 – Electrical Equipment – Power Strips (49 percent)
- K222 – Egress Doors (46 percent)
- K345 – Fire Alarm Maintenance (38 percent)
They also noted citation improvements in generator and kitchen equipment inspections, testing and maintenance, barrier penetrations and fire door testing. They were complimentary of facility efforts. Refer to the KHA Survey Readiness 2026 Resource Document for K-Tag crosswalk information and email Larry Van Der Wege at lvanderwege@kha-net.org with questions.
--Larry Van Der Wege