What regulatory body oversees the safety and standards for medical gas systems?

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is the regulatory body that plays a critical role in overseeing the safety and standards for medical gas systems. The NFPA develops codes and standards aimed at preventing fires, enhancing safety, and ensuring adequate functioning of various systems, including medical gases. Specifically, NFPA 99 outlines the requirements for health care facilities, including the proper installation, maintenance, and operation of medical gas systems, thereby contributing to patient safety and effective healthcare delivery.

While other organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) address safety and environmental concerns, their focus is not specifically on the standards for medical gas systems. Similarly, the American Medical Association (AMA) is primarily concerned with issues pertaining to the practice of medicine and does not directly regulate medical gas systems. Hence, the NFPA stands out as the key body responsible for establishing and enforcing the standards that govern the safe use of medical gas systems.