What is the 96-hour rule?

The 96-hour rule in the context of hospitals and emergency power systems refers to the requirement for healthcare facilities to develop an operational plan to ensure the availability of essential electrical power for at least the initial 96-hour period following an emergency. This plan focuses on the life safety and critical branches of the Essential Electrical System (EES), crucial for patient care. While not requiring on-site fuel or battery storage, hospitals must have a strategy to obtain necessary supplies for the specified timeframe. The rule aims to enhance hospitals’ preparedness and adaptability, ensuring the continuity of critical patient care services during extended power outages or emergencies, in compliance with standards like NFPA 99.