Background:  As provided for in Rhode Island General Laws, 1956, as amended, section 23-28.3-5(d)(1) and in accordance with Executive Order  21-109 [Declaration of Disaster Emergency for New COVID-19 Variants] issued by Governor Daniel J. McKee on November 12, 2021 and all subsequent Supplemental Emergency Declarations, the State of Rhode Island has again identified the need for temporary surge hospital bed capacity for the treatment of patients afflicted by the COVID-19 virus and to lessen the strain on the States healthcare system.

Determination of the Board:  The Board hereby finds that in order to address the emergency need for a temporary increase in hospital bed capacity throughout the state, that relief is warranted due to unanticipated and unreasonable hardship and does not conflict with the general objectives of the Rhode Island State Fire Safety Code.

Accordingly, the Board authorizes the immediate temporary suspension and/or modification of all provisions relating to the establishment of temporary or provisional health care facilities that are imposed by the State Fire Safety Code for the duration of the current Declaration of Disaster Emergency.  The administration of this Blanket Variance shall take effect immediately and remain in full force and effect until such time that these provisions are renewed, modified or terminated pursuant to subsequent order of the Board or by Executive Order or Supplemental Emergency Declaration.

The Executive Director of the Board, in consultation with the State Fire Marshal is hereby authorized to implement these provisions on a case-by-case basis through Emergency Directives as previously set forth in BV  20-01.  Any such emergency relief shall be limited to urgent or emergency matters and identified as ED 22-, the first issuance cited as ED 22-01.