Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 6, September 18, 2024
(1)
Minimum standards. Hospitals and off-site premises licensed
under this chapter shall be built in accordance with the following construction
standards.
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 the provisions of 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. In any case in which an applicable
requirement of 661-Chapter 205 is inconsistent with an applicable requirement
of the state building code, the hospital or off-site premises shall be 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.
a. Submissions of
architectural technical documents, engineering documents, and plans and
specifications to the building code commissioner are the responsibility of the
owner of the building or facility, although the actual submission may be
completed by an authorized agent of the owner or the responsible design
professional.
b. Submissions shall
comply with the provisions of rule
661-300.4 (103A).
c. The responsible design professional shall
certify that the building plans meet the requirements specified in subrule
51.50(1), unless a waiver has been granted pursuant to subrule
51.50(3).
(3)
Waivers. The director of the department may grant waivers to
building and construction guidelines as contained in the Guidelines for Design
and Construction of Hospitals, 2018 edition. The hospital or off-site premises
must submit a waiver request in writing to the director. The request must
demonstrate how patient safety and the quality of care offered will not be
compromised by the waiver. The facility must demonstrate its ability to
completely fulfill all other requirements of the service. The director shall
make a written determination of the request. In determining whether a waiver
request shall be granted, the director shall give consideration to the
following conditions and to any other conditions the director deems relevant:
a. The design and planning for the specific
property shall offer improved or compensating features which provide equivalent
desirability and utility;
b.
Alternate or special construction methods, techniques, and mechanical equipment
shall offer equivalent durability; utility; safety; structural strength and
rigidity; sanitation; odor control; protection from corrosion, decay and insect
attack; and quality of workmanship;
c. The health, safety or welfare of any
patient shall not be endangered;
d.
The waiver shall be limited to the specific project under consideration and
shall not be construed as establishing a precedent for similar acceptance in
other cases;
e. Occupancy and
function of the building shall be considered; and
f. The type of licensing shall be
considered.
