In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question about separation of different occupancies.
Q: There is an existing clinic classified as a business occupancy that leases space within a rehabilitation and nursing center. Does this need to be separated by a two-hour-rated partition? Does the egress corridor from the clinic to the exterior need to be rated?
A: It depends. If the rehabilitation center and nursing center are a different occupancy than the clinic (which you say is a business occupancy), then yes, the different occupancies must be separated by fire-rated barriers. The fire rating of these barriers depends on whether or not the occupancy (other than the business occupancy) is healthcare occupancy.
EV Charging Stations: Planning for Safety, Convenience, Expansion
Why Ambulatory Surgery Centers Are Turning to Dedicated HVAC Systems
Ground Broken on UW Health University Row Medical Center
Better, More Thorough Cleaning Saves Lives
Encompass Health Opens the Rehabilitation Hospital of Amarillo