The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a new memo (QSO-20-40-LSC) granting a categorical waiver for the use of corrugated medical tubing (CMT) in new and existing healthcare facilities. This waiver is in response to the 2012 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Health Care Facilities Code, which requires medical gas and vacuum system tubing to be rigid copper tubing, not allowing for the use of CMT. CMS recognizes that the installation of CMT may be more efficient and economical, and the 2018 NFPA 99 now includes provisions for its use. Healthcare facilities wanting to utilize this waiver must formally elect and document their decision, providing the survey team with their documented decision and verification of compliance with all applicable provisions. If a facility meets the requirements for the categorical waiver, it will not need to request waiver approval from CMS nor be cited for an associated deficiency. The elected categorical waiver must be described by the surveyor under Tag K000, and the Form CMS-2786 should be marked as “Facility Meets, Based Upon, 3. Waivers”. The memo is effective immediately and should be communicated with all survey and certification staff within 30 days.

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