Texas Administrative Code
Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
Chapter 511 - LIMITED SERVICES RURAL HOSPITALS
Subchapter G - PHYSICAL PLANT AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
Section 511.166 - Mobile, Transportable, and Relocatable Units

Universal Citation: 26 TX Admin Code § 511.166

Current through Reg. 50, No. 13; March 28, 2025

(a) Definitions. The following words and terms, when used in this Section, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) Mobile unit--Any pre-manufactured structure, trailer, or self-propelled unit equipped with a chassis on wheels and intended to provide shared medical services to the community on a temporary basis. Some of these units are equipped with expanding walls and designed to be moved on a daily basis.

(2) Relocatable unit--Any structure, not on wheels, that is built to be relocated at any time and provide medical services. These structures vary in size.

(3) Transportable unit--Any pre-manufactured structure or trailer, equipped with a chassis on wheels, intended to provide shared medical services to the community on an extended temporary basis. These units are designed to be moved periodically, depending on need.

(b) General. When mobile, transportable, and relocatable units are utilized to provide patient treatment services on the limited services rural hospital (LSRH) premises, these units shall be treated as buildings and constructed to the required occupancy as follows.

(1) When such units are provided for diagnostic, treatment, or procedural services to patients who are litter borne, under general anesthesia, or incapable of self-preservation, the unit shall be constructed in accordance with Chapter 18 of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101, Life Safety Code, 2012 edition, relating to health care occupancy.

(2) When such units provide diagnostic, treatment, or procedural services to patients who are not litter borne, not under general anesthesia, and are capable of self-preservation, the unit may be constructed in accordance with Chapter 38 of NFPA 101 (relating to Business Occupancy).

(c) Common elements.

(1) Site requirements.
(A) Sites shall have a level concrete or asphalt pad and be designed for the structural loads of the unit.

(B) The sites shall provide hazard-free drop-off zones and adequate parking for patients. The site and location of the unit shall not restrict access for fire or emergency vehicles.

(C) Each site shall provide access to the unit for people with disabilities, and wheelchair and stretcher patients.

(D) When a mobile, transportable, or relocatable unit is not physically attached to the LSRH and provides inpatient services, a covered walkway or enclosure from the LSRH to the unit shall be provided to ensure patient safety from the outside elements.

(E) The location of the unit shall be such that engine exhaust fumes from the unit are kept away from any fresh air intake of the LSRH.

(F) When a mobile, transportable, or relocatable unit is permanently connected appropriately for the climate to the LSRH or the unit does not move on a regular basis, e.g., every 90 days or less, the units shall be provided with the following equipment and systems connected to the LSRH:
(i) fire alarm system;

(ii) sprinkler system;

(iii) electrical system and the essential electrical system;

(iv) water and waste water system;

(v) medical gas systems; and

(vi) nurses calling systems.

(2) Support services. Support services shall meet the requirements of this chapter for new construction. These support services and areas shall be provided either within the mobile, transportable, or relocatable unit or located within the LSRH adjacent to the unit served.

(3) Details and finishes. Details and finishes shall comply with § 511.162(d)(2) of this subchapter (relating to General Construction Requirements).

(4) Mechanical requirements. Mechanical requirements comply with § 511.162(d)(3) of this subchapter.

(5) Piping systems and plumbing fixtures. Piping systems and plumbing fixtures shall comply with § 511.162(d)(4) of this subchapter.

(6) Electrical requirements. Electrical requirements shall comply with § 511.162(d)(5) of this subchapter.

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