On June 18, 2008, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced  that it is issuing a final rule to require all long-term care facilities to install sprinkler systems throughout their buildings within five years in order to continue serving Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. Under previous CMS regulations, only newly constructed and rehabilitated nursing homes were required to be equipped with sprinkler systems.  All new sprinkler systems will be required to meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) technical specifications.  CMS has not yet released the text of the rule or the date of publication.