Major Vs. Minor Renovations

What qualifies a renovation as major, and therefore necessary to classify it as New Healthcare?


 CMS has defined the terms “major” and “minor” for alterations, modernization or renovation of buildings as follows: If the building has undergone a modification (usually more than 50 percent or more than 4,500 square feet, of the smoke compartment involved) it is considered “major.” If the building has undergone a modification (usually less than 50 percent or less than 4,500 square feet, of the smoke compartment involved) it is considered “minor” regardless of the size of the area involved.

If a building undergoes a “major” modification after March 13, 2003 then the building would be surveyed under 2000 LSC new occupancy chapter. The replacement of a system such as a fire alarm system would be considered “major” for that system only. Thus, that system only would have to meet the LSC new occupancy  chapter requirements, not the entire building.

Note: Cosmetic changes such as painting and wallpapering by themselves would not constitute a “major” modification.