Building Code Glossary
Nursing Homes: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define nursing homes, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Nursing homes is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Use and Occupancy Classification. The code's own words are: “Nursing homes are long-term care facilities on a 24-hour basis, including both intermediate care facilities and skilled nursing facilities, serving more than five persons and any of the persons are incapable of self-preservation.” The IFC 2009 carries the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 12 chapters of this corpus, most often in Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009), Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings (IFC 2009), Definitions (IFC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Nursing Homes — IBC 2009, Use and Occupancy Classification:
Nursing homes are long-term care facilities on a 24-hour basis, including both intermediate care facilities and skilled nursing facilities, serving more than five persons and any of the persons are incapable of self-preservation.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Nursing Homes, in identical words.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Use and Occupancy Classification | Nursing homes are long-term care facilities on a 24-hour basis, including both intermediate care facilities and skilled nursing facilities, serving more than five persons and any of the persons are incapable of self-preservation. |
| IFC 2009 | Definitions | Nursing homes are long-term care facilities on a 24-hour basis, including both intermediate care facilities and skilled nursing facilities, serving more than five persons and any of the persons are incapable of self-preservation. |
Where nursing homes is used in the code
The term appears in 12 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Use and Occupancy Classification | IBC 2009 | 8 |
| Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings | IFC 2009 | 6 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 5 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IBC 2009 | 3 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 3 |
| Accessibility | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Refrigeration | IMC 2009 | 1 |
| Fixtures, Faucets and Fixture Fittings | IPC 2009 | 1 |
| Sanitary Drainage | IPC 2009 | 1 |
| Water Supply and Distribution | IPC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about nursing homes, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
The requirements in Sections 805.2.1 through 805.2.2 shall apply to nursing homes and hospitals classified in Group 1-2.
An automatic smoke detection system shall be installed in corridors in nursing homes (both intermediate care and skilled nursing facilities), detoxification facilities and spaces permitted to be open to the corridors by Section 407.2 of the International BUilding Code.
The provisions of this section shall apply to the special devices and equipment installed and maintained in the following occupancies: nursing homes, homes for the aged, orphanages, infirmaries, first aid stations, psychiatric facilities, clinics, professional offices of dentists and doctors, mortuaries, educational facilities, surgery, dentistry, research and testing laboratories, establishments manufacturing pharmaceutical drugs and medicines, and other structures with similar …
Nursing Homes: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Use and Occupancy Classification | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (IBC 2009) | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Corrosive: Building Code Definition
- Hazardous Materials: Building Code Definition
- Combustible Liquid: Building Code Definition
- Handling: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of nursing homes?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Use and Occupancy Classification as: “Nursing homes are long-term care facilities on a 24-hour basis, including both intermediate care facilities and skilled nursing facilities, serving more than five persons and any of the persons are incapable of self-preservation.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on nursing homes?
In this corpus the term is used across 12 chapters, led by Use and Occupancy Classification in the IBC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What are the CMS guidelines for nursing homes?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Use and Occupancy Classification: “Nursing homes are long-term care facilities on a 24-hour basis, including both intermediate care facilities and skilled nursing facilities, serving more than five persons and any of the persons are incapable of self-preservation.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IFC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
What does IBC mean in building codes?
Building is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” That is not the same as nursing homes, which the IBC 2009 defines as “Nursing homes are long-term care facilities on a 24-hour basis, including both intermediate care facilities and skilled nursing facilities, serving more than five persons and any of the persons are incapable of self-preservation.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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- Occupancy: Building Code Definition
Occupancy — IMC 2009 definition: The purpose for which a building, or portion thereof, is utilized or occupied.