OR Temperature and Humidity Requirements

Has there been an update regarding temperature and humidity requirements for OR's or do we have to have a 35%-60% humidity range to be compliant with CMS? and not the 20%-60% range?

CMS has not changed its requirements. CMS is still imposing 35-60% RH.

The Joint Commission however has recognized the Facilities Guidelines Institute (FGI) 2010 Guidelines for Design & Construction of Healthcare Facilities since January 1, 2011. The ANSI/ASHRAE/ASHE Standard 170-2008 Table 7-1 Design Parameters has been attached to the FGI Guidelines, and it lists the HVAC design parameters for many areas, not just operating rooms. That table was modified by Addendum D in 2010 to reflect 20-60% RH in those eight types of areas listed in Addendum d. Addendum d is available for free from www.ashrae.org.