This is what we do.
ASHE Deputy Executive Director Chad Beebe stated at the recently-concluded ASHE Annual Conference that ASHE is working with CMS and others to attempt to convince CMS to issue a categorical waiver that reflects the language of NFPA 99-2012. Whether or not CMS issues the sought-after categorical waiver, the following language in NFPA 99-2012 paragraph 10.2.3.6 (Multiple Outlet Connection) may become official for survey purposes in the future if CMS adopts NFPA 99-2012 as it has indicated it intends to do. The 2012 NFPA 99 requirements, which may still be more restrictive than many hospitals currently practice, state:
Two or more power receptacles supplied by a flexible cord shall be permitted to be used to supply power to plug-connected components of a movable equipment assembly that is rack-, table-, pedestal-, or cart-mounted, provided that all of the following conditions are met:
(1) The receptacles are permanently attached to the equipment assembly.
(2)* The sum of the ampacity of all appliances connected to the outlets does not exceed 75 percent of the ampacity of the flexible cord supplying the outlets.
(3) The ampacity of the flexible cord is in accordance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code.
(4)* The electrical and mechanical integrity of the assembly is regularly verified and documented.
(5)* Means are employed to ensure that additional devices or nonmedical equipment cannot be connected to the multiple outlet extension cord after leakage currents have been verified as safe.