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.
What Lies Ahead for Healthcare Facilities Managers
What's in the Future for Healthcare Restrooms?
Hammes Completes the Moffit Speros Outpatient Center
The Top Three Pathogens to Worry About in 2026
Blackbird Health Opens New Pediatric Mental Health Clinic in Virginia