Kansas providers and local governments press for clearer, consistent fire-code enforcement

Topeka — Long-term care providers, advocates for people with disabilities and local building officials told the Senate Committee on Government Efficiency on Sept. 9 that inconsistent interpretation and enforcement of Kansasfire and life-safety codes by the State Fire Marshalhas caused construction delays, unexpected retrofit costs and situations where complying with one agencyrequirement would violate another.

The complaints centered on a handful of recurring problems: retroactive changes to previously approved building plans, differing requirements between the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) and the State Fire Marshal, and unclear or shifting expectations about acceptable alternatives to sprinklers in small multi-unit housing. Providers described projects stalled mid-construction and facilities briefly tagged with an "immediate jeopardy" finding later rescinded.

"This is not a new challenge," said Kylie Childs, director of government affairs for LeadingAge Kansas, citing repeated examples of facilities cited after following previously accepted procedures. Linda Mowbray, president and CEO of the Kansas Health Care Association, told the committee that assisted-living facilities and nursing homes "don't even share the same code requirements," noting assisted living in Kansas is enforced to the 2006 life-safety code while…