What is the requirement for latching door hardware in new health care occupancy?

In new health care occupancies, there is no specific requirement for latching door hardware. This reflects a focus on the operational needs of healthcare facilities, which often prioritize accessibility and rapid egress over the necessity for latching mechanisms that could impede movement, especially in emergency situations.

While some guidelines may recommend or suggest the use of latching hardware for certain applications, the overall requirement does not mandate such installations for all doors in health care settings. This flexibility accommodates various clinical and operational workflows, making it easier to meet the diverse needs of patients, staff, and visitors without the constraint of universally applying latching systems.

It's important to consider that while latching mechanisms can enhance security in certain areas, the primary intent in healthcare environments is to facilitate quick and safe access, thus the absence of a strict requirement for latching door hardware is appropriate.