The focus of the Life Safety and Construction Unit is to protect and safeguard the citizens of North Dakota by ensuring a safe environment for the elderly and disabled living in institutional settings.
Several types of health care facilities are required to meet specific construction and Life Safety Code (fire safety) requirements in order to be licensed and participate in the Medicare/Medicaid programs. Life Safety Code surveys are done in the following types of facilities: nursing facilities, hospitals, critical access hospitals, basic care facilities, ASCs, ESRDs, and ICF/IIDs.
The division also reviews construction plans and specifications for licensed health care facilities for compliance with licensing and construction standards. Construction inspections are conducted to verify compliance with these standards. Additions, remodeling, and installations in nursing facilities, hospitals, critical access hospitals, and basic care facilities require review and approval
