Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 6, September 18, 2024
(1)
Minimum standards. The following construction standards are
applicable to hospitals and off-site premises licensed under this chapter:
a. Construction shall be in accordance with
the standards set forth in the Guidelines for Design and Construction of
Hospitals, 2018 edition, published by the Facility Guidelines
Institute.
b. Existing hospitals
and off-site premises built in compliance with prior editions of the hospital
construction guidelines will be deemed in compliance with subsequent
regulations, with the exception of any new structural renovations, additions,
functional alterations, or changes in utilization to existing facilities, which
shall meet the standards specified in this subrule.
c. The design and construction of a hospital
or off-site premises shall be in conformance with 661-Chapter 205.
d. In jurisdictions without a local building
code enforcement program, the construction shall be in conformance with the
state building code, as authorized by Iowa Code section
103A.7, in effect at the time of
plan submittal for review and approval. In jurisdictions with a local building
code enforcement program, local building code enforcement must include both the
adoption and enforcement of a local building code through plan reviews and
inspections.
e. If an applicable
requirement of 661-Chapter 205 is inconsistent with an applicable requirement
of the state building code, the hospital or off-site premises is deemed to be
in compliance with the state building code requirement if the requirement of
661-Chapter 205 is met.
(2)
Submission of construction
documents. Submissions shall comply with rule
661-300.4 (103A). The
responsible design professional shall certify that the building plans meet the
requirements specified in subrule 51.26(1), unless a waiver has been granted
pursuant to subrule 51.26(3).
(3)
Waivers. Requests for waiver may be submitted to the
department in accordance with 481-Chapter 6. Any waiver granted is limited to
the specific project under consideration and does not establish a precedent for
similar acceptance in other cases. The request must demonstrate how patient
safety and the quality of care offered will not be compromised by the waiver.
In determining whether a waiver request will be granted, the director will
consider the following:
a. Whether the design
and planning for the specific property offers improved or compensating features
to provide equivalent desirability and utility;
b. Whether alternate or special construction
methods, techniques, and mechanical equipment offer equivalent durability,
utility, health, and safety;
c.
Whether the health, safety or welfare of any patient is endangered;
d. Occupancy and function of the building;
and
e. The type of
licensing.
