103 CMR, § 920.01
The standards set forth in 103 CMR 920.02 through 920.23 with the exception of 103 CMR 920.02: Building Code and 103 CMR 920.03: Fire Safety Code Standards which are required, are recommended standards. While they are recognized as being those which county correctional facilities should strive to meet, unforeseen circumstances may impact a facility's level of compliance. Therefore, the provisions for waivers, waiver in the event of overcrowding emergency, and emergency suspension of regulations contained in 103 CMR 901.04, 901.05, and 901.06 respectively, are particularly applicable to the standards regarding physical plant, except 103 CMR 920.03: Fire Safety Code Regulations, and shall be applied in such a manner so as to enable the county correctional system to carry out its paramount function of protecting the safety of the public while providing for safe and secure custody of persons committed to the system.
103 CMR, § 920.01