How does NFPA 99 define a "healthcare facility"?

The definition of a "healthcare facility" according to NFPA 99 encompasses a broad range of services and functions critical to patient care. It specifically refers to a building or structure that is utilized for the diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients. This includes hospitals, outpatient clinics, surgical centers, and other establishments that provide medical services.

This definition is comprehensive and highlights the facility's role in patient care, distinguishing it from other types of structures that may offer some level of healthcare services but do not primarily serve the full scope of diagnosis and treatment. For instance, while a center for physical rehabilitation is important, it is limited to a specific type of care rather than encompassing the full spectrum of healthcare services. Similarly, a residential building for elderly care typically focuses on living arrangements and may not provide direct medical services, while a private practice office might not fully capture the broader healthcare facility definition as outlined in NFPA 99.

Thus, the choice that identifies a healthcare facility as a building or structure utilized for diagnosis, treatment, and care aligns perfectly with the purpose and scope defined in NFPA 99.