Which NFPA standard must be followed for installing and testing battery-operated smoke alarms in resident bedrooms?

The correct standard for installing and testing battery-operated smoke alarms in resident bedrooms is NFPA 72. This standard specifically addresses the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, which provides comprehensive requirements for fire alarm systems, including smoke alarms.

NFPA 72 lays out guidelines for the installation, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems, ensuring that smoke alarms function properly to protect residents from fire hazards. Since resident safety is the primary concern in a nursing home environment, following NFPA 72 ensures that all fire alarm systems, including battery-operated smoke alarms in individual rooms, comply with safety protocols and provide effective early warning in the event of a fire.

The other standards mentioned have different focuses: NFPA 13 deals primarily with sprinkler systems, NFPA 2001 covers clean agent fire extinguishing systems, and NFPA 101 focuses on life safety in buildings and code compliance, but does not provide specific details regarding the installation of smoke alarms. Hence, NFPA 72 is the correct choice when it comes to the standards governing smoke alarms in resident bedrooms.