Which regulation focuses on the safety of patients, staff, and visitors in healthcare facilities?

The Life Safety Code (LSC) is primarily focused on ensuring the safety of patients, staff, and visitors within healthcare facilities. This regulation, developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), establishes guidelines and requirements for constructing and maintaining a safe environment. It addresses critical aspects such as fire protection, evacuation routes, emergency planning, and the overall safety of buildings where healthcare is provided. By implementing the Life Safety Code, healthcare organizations create safer environments that minimize risks associated with fires and other safety-related issues, thereby protecting everyone who enters these facilities.

In contrast, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) primarily addresses accessibility issues for individuals with disabilities but does not specifically focus on overall safety within healthcare environments. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is concerned with workplace safety and health regulations, which include some elements relevant to healthcare but are broader and not exclusive to patient and visitor safety. Similarly, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is directed at patient privacy and security of health information rather than physical safety within healthcare settings.