Illinois Department of Human Services
Division of Developmental Disabilities
Information Bulletin
DD.20.002
Purpose:
This Information Bulletin is a guide to the effect of Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Life Safety Code changes on providers of services to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities. These changes are the result of the OSFM's adoption of the 2015 edition of the National Fire Protection Association 101 Life Safety Code and take effect January 1, 2020.
Individually controlled sites (owned, rented leased or otherwise controlled by the individual) are currently not subject to these requirements. This Information Bulletin is for general guidance only and the OSFM rules and regulations are controlled, interpreted and enforced by the Office of State Fire Marshal and not the Division of Developmental Disabilities.
Summary of Major Changes:
- Door Locks: New options for door locks are available for residents that have a clinical need.
- Sprinklers: Both new and some existing facilities will be required to have fire sprinklers as follows:
- For new small and large facility attic spaces that are used for living purposes, for storage or contain fuel-fired equipment. (If it is not used for any of these, the space qualifies for a heat detection device (alternative)).
- For existing small and large facilities that already have a fire sprinkler - attic spaces that are used for living purposes, for storage or contains fuel-fired equipment. (If it is not used for any of these, the space qualifies for a heat detection device (alternative)).
- For roofed porches, roofed decks and roofed balconies
- For new and existing small and large facilities with occupants who have a documented "impractical" evacuation capability.
For more detailed information on the any of the above, please refer to the links in the Reference section at the end of this Information Bulletin.
Achieving Compliance
As providers take into account their plans for compliance, there may be an opportunity to receive assistance from the Division of Developmental Disabilities through its "Adaptive Equipment, Assistive Technology, Home and Vehicle Modification Request Process." However, providers should wait for the results of their OSFM survey under the new regulations before requesting Home Modification funding.
The process for making a request can be found in the Adaptive Equipment, Assistive Technology, Home and Vehicle Information Bulletin recently posted in draft form. The bulletin includes specific instructions for both sprinkler requests and replacement of existing windows in order to meet secondary emergency exit requirements.
Reimbursement limits remain in effect including the maximum lifetime reimbursement of $15,000 per CILA site. Providers that are unsure whether or not this $15,000 threshold has been utilized should contact Michael Vespa at the Division of Developmental Disabilities.
The information contained herein should not be considered a substitute for the appropriate official statutes, rules, regulations, or the advice of legal counsel.
Effective Date:
02/26/2020
References:
- Free Access to NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, 2015 Edition
