WSR 10-17-120

PERMANENT RULES

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH


[ Filed August 18, 2010, 9:39 a.m. , effective September 18, 2010 ]


     Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.

     Purpose: Chapter 246-320 WAC, the rules reflect updated hospital construction requirements by adopting most of the 2010 edition of the Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities as published by the American Society for Healthcare Engineering of the American Hospital Association. WAC 246-320-600 outlines amendments to the 2010 guidelines that either exclude nonapplicable sections or make minor alterations to the requirements.

     Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 246-320-500, 246-320-505, and 246-320-600.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: Chapter 70.41 RCW.

      Adopted under notice filed as WSR 10-11-117 on May 18, 2010.

     A final cost-benefit analysis is available by contacting John Hilger, 310 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501-7852, phone (360) 236-2929, fax (360) 236-2901, e-mail john.hilger@doh.wa.gov.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 3, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 3, Repealed 0.

     Date Adopted: August 18, 2010.

Mary C. Selecky

Secretary

OTS-3125.2


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 08-14-023, filed 6/20/08, effective 7/21/08)

WAC 246-320-500   Applicability of WAC 246-320-500 through 246-320-600.   The purpose of construction regulations is to provide for a safe and effective patient care environment. These rules are not retroactive and are intended to be applied as outlined below.

     (1) These regulations apply to hospitals including:

     (a) New buildings to be licensed as a hospital;

     (b) Conversion of an existing building or portion of an existing building for use as a hospital;

     (c) Additions to an existing hospital;

     (d) Alterations to an existing hospital; and

     (e) Buildings or portions of buildings licensed as a hospital and used for hospital services;

     (f) Excluding nonpatient care buildings used exclusively for administration functions.

     (2) The requirements of chapter 246-320 WAC in effect at the time the application and fee are submitted to the department, and project number is assigned by the department, apply for the duration of the construction project.

     (3) Standards for design and construction.

     Facilities constructed and intended for use under this chapter shall comply with:

     (a) The following chapters of the ((2006)) 2010 edition of the Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities as published by the American ((Institute of Architects, 1735 New York Avenue, N.W., Washington D.C. 20006)) Society for Healthcare Engineering of the American Hospital Association, 155 North Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606, as amended in WAC 246-320-600:

     (((i) 1.1 Introduction

     (ii) 1.2 Environment of Care

     (iii) 1.3 Site

     (iv) 1.4 Equipment

     (v) 1.5 Planning, Design and Construction

     (vi) 1.6 Common Requirements

     (vii) 2.1 General Hospital

     (viii) 2.2 Small Inpatient Primary Care Hospitals

     (ix) 2.3 Psychiatric Hospital

     (x) 2.4 Rehabilitation Facilities

     (xi) 3.1 Outpatient Facilities

     (xii) 3.2 Primary Care Outpatient Centers

     (xiii) 3.3 Small Primary (Neighborhood) Outpatient Facilities

     (xiv) 3.4 Freestanding Outpatient Diagnostic and Treatment Facilities

     (xv) 3.5 Freestanding Urgent Care Facilities

     (xvi) 3.6 Freestanding Birthing Centers

     (xvii) 3.7 Outpatient Surgical Facilities

     (xviii) 3.8 Office Surgical Facilities

     (xix) 3.9 Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Facilities

     (xx) 3.10 Renal Dialysis Centers

     (xxi) 3.11 Psychiatric Outpatient Centers

     (xxii) 3.12 Mobile, Transportable, and Relocatable Units

     (xxiii) 4.2 Hospice Facility))

     (i) 1.1 Introduction

     (ii) 1.2 Planning, Design, Construction, and Commissioning

     (iii) 1.3 Site

     (iv) 1.4 Equipment

     (v) 2.1 Common Elements for Hospitals

     (vi) 2.2 Specific Requirements for General Hospitals

     (vii) 2.4 Specific Requirements for Critical Access Hospitals (Reserved)

     (viii) 2.5 Specific Requirements for Psychiatric Hospitals

     (ix) 2.6 Specific Requirements for Rehabilitation Hospitals and Other Facilities

     (x) 3.1 Common Elements for Outpatient Facilities

     (xi) 3.2 Specific Requirements for Primary Care Outpatient Centers

     (xii) 3.3 Specific Requirements for Small Primary Care (Neighborhood) Outpatient Facilities

     (xiii) 3.4 Specific Requirements for Freestanding Outpatient Diagnostic and Treatment Facilities

     (xiv) 3.6 Specific Requirements for Freestanding Cancer Treatment Facilities

     (xv) 3.7 Specific Requirements for Outpatient Surgical Facilities

     (xvi) 3.8 Specific Requirements for Office Surgical Facilities

     (xvii) 3.9 Specific Requirements for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Facilities

     (xviii) 3.10 Specific Requirements for Renal Dialysis Centers

     (xix) 3.11 Specific Requirements for Psychiatric Outpatient Centers

     (xx) 3.12 Specific Requirements for Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities

     (xxi) 4.3 Specific Requirements for Hospice Facilities

     (xxii) 5.1 Mobile, Transportable, and Relocatable Units

     (xxiii) 5.2 Freestanding Birth Centers

     (xxiv) Part 6: Ventilation of Health Care Facilities

     (b) The National Fire Protection Association, Life Safety Code, NFPA 101, 2000.

     (c) The State Building Code as adopted by the state building code council under the authority of chapter 19.27 RCW.

     (d) Accepted procedure and practice in cross-contamination control, Pacific Northwest Edition, 6th Edition, December 1995, American Waterworks Association.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.41 RCW. 08-14-023, § 246-320-500, filed 6/20/08, effective 7/21/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.41.030 and 43.70.040. 99-04-052, § 246-320-500, filed 1/28/99, effective 3/10/99.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 08-14-023, filed 6/20/08, effective 7/21/08)

WAC 246-320-505   Design, construction review, and approval of plans.   (1) Drawings and specifications for new construction, excluding minor alterations, must be prepared by or under the direction of, an architect registered under chapter 18.08 RCW. The services of a consulting engineer registered under chapter 18.43 RCW ((must)) may be used for the various branches of work where appropriate. The services of a registered engineer may be used in lieu of the services of an architect if work involves engineering only.

     (2) A hospital will meet the following requirements:

     (a) Request and attend a presubmission conference for projects with a construction value of two hundred fifty thousand dollars or more. The presubmission conference shall be scheduled to occur for the review of construction documents that are no less than fifty percent complete.

     (b) Submit construction documents for proposed new construction to the department for review within ten days of submission to the local authorities. Compliance with these standards and regulations does not relieve the hospital of the need to comply with applicable state and local building and zoning codes.

     (c) The construction documents must include:

     (i) A written program containing, but not limited to the following:

     (A) Information concerning services to be provided and operational methods to be used;

     (B) An interim life safety measures plan to ensure the health and safety of occupants during construction and installation of finishes.

     (C) An infection control risk assessment indicating appropriate infection control measures, keeping the surrounding area free of dust and fumes, and ensuring rooms or areas are well ventilated, unoccupied, and unavailable for use until free of volatile fumes and odors;

     (ii) Drawings and specifications to include coordinated architectural, mechanical, and electrical work. Each room, area, and item of fixed equipment and major movable equipment must be identified on all drawings to demonstrate that the required facilities for each function are provided; and

     (iii) Floor plan of the existing building showing the alterations and additions, and indicating location of any service or support areas; and

     (iv) Required paths of exit serving the alterations or additions.

     (d) The hospital will respond in writing when the department requests additional or corrected construction documents;

     (e) Notify the department in writing when construction has commenced;

     (f) Provide the department with a signed form acknowledging the risks if starting construction before the plan review has been completed. The acknowledgment of risks form shall be signed by the:

     (i) Architect; and

     (ii) Hospital CEO, COO or designee; and

     (iii) Hospital facilities director.

     (g) Submit to the department for review any addenda or modifications to the construction documents;

     (h) Assure construction is completed in compliance with the final "department approved" documents. Compliance with these standards and regulations does not relieve the hospital of the need to comply with applicable state and local building and zoning codes. Where differences in interpretations occur, the hospital will follow the most stringent requirement.

     (i) The hospital will allow any necessary inspections for the verification of compliance with the construction document, addenda, and modifications.

     (j) Notify the department in writing when construction is completed and include a copy of the local jurisdiction's approval for occupancy.

     (3) The hospital will not begin construction or use any new or remodeled areas until:

     (a) The infection control risk assessment has been approved by the department;

     (b) The interim life safety plan has been approved by the department;

     (c) An acknowledgment of risk form has been submitted to the department as required by subsection (2)(f) of this section;

     (d) The department has approved construction documents or granted authorization to begin construction; and

     (e) The local jurisdictions have issued a building permit, when applicable or given approval to occupy.

     (4) The department will issue an "authorization to begin construction" when subsection (3)(a), (b), and (c) are approved and the presubmission conference is concluded.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.41 RCW. 08-14-023, § 246-320-505, filed 6/20/08, effective 7/21/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.41.030 and 43.70.040. 99-04-052, § 246-320-505, filed 1/28/99, effective 3/10/99.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 08-14-023, filed 6/20/08, effective 7/21/08)

WAC 246-320-600   Washington state amendments.   This section contains the Washington state amendments to the ((2006)) 2010 edition of the Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities as published by the American ((Institute of Architects, 1735 New York Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006)) Society for Healthcare Engineering of the American Hospital Association, 155 North Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606. Subsections with an asterisk (*) preceding a paragraph number indicates that explanatory or educational material can be found in an appendix item located in the 2010 Guidelines.


((CHAPTER 1.2 ENVIRONMENT OF CARE

     2.1.3.4 This section is not adopted.


CHAPTER 1.3 SITE

     2.2 Availability of Transportation

     This section is not adopted.

     3.3 Parking

     This section is not adopted.


CHAPTER 1.4 EQUIPMENT

     A1.3.1 Design should consider the placement of cables from portable equipment so that personnel circulation and safety are maintained.


CHAPTER 1.5 PLANNING, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

     2.1 General

     2.1.1 ICRA Panel

     The ICRA shall be conducted by a panel with expertise in the areas affected by the project; at a minimum this would include infection control, epidemiology and facility representation.


CHAPTER 1.6 COMMON REQUIREMENTS

     2.1.1 General

     Unless otherwise specified herein, all plumbing systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with the plumbing code as adopted by the state building code council.

     2.1.3.2 Handwashing Stations

     General handwashing stations used by medical and nursing staff, patients, and food handlers shall be trimmed with valves that can be operated without hands. Single-lever or wrist blade devices shall be permitted. Blade handles used for this purpose shall be at least 4 inches (10.2 centimeters) in length.

     2.2.2 HVAC Air Distribution

     2.2.2.1 HVAC Ductwork

     (2) Humidifiers.

     (a) If humidifiers are located within a ventilation system upstream of the final filters, they shall be at least 15 feet (4.57 meters) upstream of the final filters.

     (b) Ductwork with duct-mounted humidifiers shall have a means of water removal.

     (c) An adjustable high-limit humidistat shall be located downstream of the humidifier to reduce the potential for condensation inside the duct.

     (d) Humidifiers shall be connected to airflow proving switches that prevent humidification unless the required volume of airflow is present or high-limit humidistats are provided.

     (e) All duct takeoffs shall be sufficiently downstream of the humidifier to ensure complete moisture absorption.

     (f) Steam humidifiers shall be used. Reservoir type water spray or evaporative pan humidifiers shall not be used.

     A2.2.2.1(2) It is recognized that some facilities may not require humidity control within the ranges in table 2.1-2 and that the final determination of a facility's ability to control humidity will be made by that facility.


CHAPTER 2.1 GENERAL HOSPITALS

     1.2.2 Swing Beds

     When the concept of swing beds is part of the functional program, care shall be taken to include requirements for all intended categories. Nursing homes and long-term care units must be distinct and separate from swing beds.

     A1.2.2 Swing Beds

     Every bed must be able to provide both acute care and skilled nursing care. The concept is that the patient would not have to be moved, rather their status would change from "acute" to "swing bed" status.

     2.2.1 Toilet Rooms

     2.2.1.3 Toilet room doors shall swing outward or be double acting. Where local requirements permit, surface mounted sliding doors may be used, provided adequate provisions are made for acoustical and visual privacy.

     2.3.5 Nourishment Area

     2.3.5.1 A nourishment area shall have a sink, work counter, refrigerator, storage cabinets, and equipment for hot and cold nourishment between scheduled meals. This area shall include space for trays and dishes used for nonscheduled meal service. This function may be combined with a clean utility without duplication of sinks and work counters.

     2.3.10 Housekeeping Room

     2.3.10.1 Housekeeping rooms shall be directly accessible from the unit or floor they serve and may serve more than one nursing unit on a floor. Housekeeping and soiled rooms may be combined.

     3.1.1.1 Capacity

     (1) In new construction, the maximum number of beds per room shall be two.

     (2) Where renovation work is undertaken and the present capacity is more than one patient, maximum room capacity shall be no more than the present capacity with a maximum of four patients.

     3.1.1.5 Handwashing Stations. These shall be provided to serve each patient room.

     (1) A handwashing station shall be provided in the toilet room.

     (2) Or, in private rooms, a handwashing station shall be provided in the patient room provided alcohol-based hand sanitizers are provided in the toilet room. The handwashing station shall be located outside the patient's cubicle curtain and convenient to staff entering and leaving the room.

     (3) A hand sanitation station in patient rooms utilizing waterless cleaners shall be permitted in renovations of existing facilities where existing conditions prohibit an additional handwashing station.

     3.1.2 Patient/Family Centered Care Rooms

     This section is not adopted.

     3.1.5 Support Areas for Medical/Surgical Nursing Units

     3.1.5.5 Handwashing Stations

     (1) Handwashing stations or waterless cleansing stations shall be conveniently accessible to the nurse station, medication station, and nourishment station. "Convenient" is defined as not requiring staff to access more than two spaces separated by a door.

     (2) One handwashing station may serve several areas if convenient to each.

     4.3.1 Labor Rooms

     4.3.1.1 General

     (2) Access. Labor rooms shall have controlled access with doors.

     5.1.3 Definitive Emergency Care

     5.1.3.7(5) Decontamination Area

     (a) Location. In new construction, a decontamination room shall be provided with an outside entry door as far as practical from the closest other entrance. The internal door of this room shall open into a corridor of the emergency department, swing into the room and be lockable against ingress from the corridor.

     (b) Space requirements. The room shall provide a minimum of 80 square feet (7.43 square meters) clear floor area.

     (c) Facility requirements.

     (i) The room shall be equipped with two hand-held shower heads with temperature controls.

     (ii) Portable or hard-piped oxygen shall be provided. Portable suction shall also be available.

     (d) Construction requirements. The room shall have all smooth, nonporous, scrubbable, nonabsorptive, nonperforated surfaces. Fixtures shall be acid resistant. The floor of the decontamination room shall be self-coving to a height of 6 inches (15.24 centimeters).

     (e) This section does not preclude decontamination capability at other locations or entrances immediately adjacent to the emergency department.

     5.3.3 Pre- and Postoperative Holding Areas

     5.3.3.2 Post-anesthetic Care Units (PACUs)

     (4) Facility requirements. Each PACU shall contain a medication station; handwashing stations; nurse station with charting facilities; clinical sink; provisions for bedpan cleaning; and storage space for stretchers, supplies, and equipment.

     (a) Handwashing station(s). At least one handwashing station with hands-free or wrist blade-operable controls shall be available for every six beds or fraction thereof, uniformly distributed to provide equal access from each bed.

     (b) Staff toilet. A staff toilet shall be located within the working area to maintain staff availability to patients.

     5.3.5 Support Areas for the Surgical Suite

     5.3.5.4 Scrub Facilities. Two scrub positions shall be provided near the entrance to each operating room.

     5.9.3 Examination Room

     This section is not adopted.

     6.1. Pharmacy

     Until final adoption of USP 797 by either federal or other state programs, facilities may request plan review for conformance to USP 797 with their initial submission to the Department of Health, Construction Review Services. The most current edition of USP 797 at the time of the application will be used for plan review service.

     8.2.2.3 Doors

     (2) Door Size.

     (a) General. Where used in these Guidelines, door width and height shall be the nominal dimension of the door leaf, ignoring projections of frame and stops. Note: While these standards are intended for access by patients and patient equipment, size of office furniture, etc., shall also be considered.

     (b) Inpatient bedrooms.

     (i) New construction. The minimum door size for inpatient bedrooms in new work areas shall be 4 feet (1.22 meters) wide and 7 feet (2.13 meters) high to provide clearance for movement of beds and other equipment.

     (ii) Renovation. Existing doors of not less than 2 feet 10 inches (86.36 centimeters) wide may be considered for acceptance where function is not adversely affected and replacement is impractical.

     (c) Rooms for stretchers/wheelchairs. Doors to other rooms used for stretchers (including hospital wheeled-bed stretchers) and/or wheelchairs shall have a minimum width of 2 feet 10 inches (86.36 centimeters).

     10.1.2 Plumbing and Other Piping Systems

     10.1.2.5 Drainage Systems

     (1) Piping.

     (a) Drain lines from sinks used for acid waste disposal shall be made of acid resistant material.

     (b) Drain lines serving some types of automatic blood-cell counters shall be of carefully selected material that will eliminate potential for undesirable chemical reactions (and/or explosions) between sodium azide wastes and copper, lead, brass, solder, etc.

     (c) Reasonable effort shall be made to avoid installing drainage piping within the ceiling or exposed in operating and delivery rooms, nurseries, food preparation centers, food-serving facilities, food storage areas, central services, electronic data processing areas, electric closets, and other sensitive areas. Where exposed overhead drain piping in these areas is unavoidable, special provision shall be made to protect the space below from leakage, condensation or dust particles.

     10.2.1 General

     10.2.1.1 Mechanical System Design

     (2) Air-handling systems.

     (a) These shall be designed with an economizer cycle where appropriate to use outside air. (Use of mechanically circulated air does not reduce need for filtration.)

     (b) VAV systems. The energy-saving potential of variable-air-volume systems is recognized and the standards herein are intended to maximize appropriate use of those systems. Any system used for occupied areas shall include provisions to avoid air stagnation in interior spaces where thermostat demands are met by temperatures of surrounding areas and air movement relationship changes if constant volume and variable volume are supplied by one air-handling system with a common pressure dependent return system.

     (c) Noncentral air-handling systems (i.e., individual room units used for heating and cooling purposes, such as fan-coil units, heat pump units, etc.). These units may be used as recirculating units only. All outdoor air requirements shall be met by a separate central air-handling system with proper filtration, as noted in Table 2.1-3.

     10.2.1.2 Ventilation and Space Conditioning Requirements. All rooms and areas used for patient care shall have provisions for ventilation.

     (2) Air change rates. Air supply and exhaust in rooms for which no minimum total air change rate is noted may vary down to zero in response to room load. For rooms listed in Table 2.1-2, where VAV systems are used, minimum total air change shall be within limits noted, the minimum required by the Washington State Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code (chapter 51-13 WAC).

     (3) Temperature. Space temperature shall be as indicated in Table 2.1-2.

     10.2.4 HVAC Air Distribution

     10.2.4.3 Exhaust Systems

     (1) General.

     (a) Exhaust systems may be combined.

     (b) Local exhaust systems shall be used whenever possible in place of dilution ventilation to reduce exposure to hazardous gases, vapors, fumes, or mists.

     (c) Fans serving exhaust systems shall be located at the discharge end and shall be readily serviceable.

     (d) Airborne infection isolation rooms shall not be served by exhaust systems incorporating a heat wheel.

     10.2.5 HVAC Filters

     10.2.5.2 Filter Bed Location. Where two filter beds are required, filter bed no. 1 shall be located upstream of the air conditioning equipment and filter bed no. 2 shall be downstream of the last component of any central air-handling unit and plenum/duct liner except: Steam injection-type humidifiers; terminal heating coils; and mixed boxes and acoustical traps that have special covering over the lining. Terminal cooling coils and linings are permitted downstream of filter bed no. 2 with additional filtration downstream of coil meeting requirements of filter bed no. 2.

     10.2.5.5 Filter Manometers. A manometer shall be installed across each filter bed having a required efficiency of 75 percent or more, including hoods requiring HEPA filters. Manometers may be omitted at HEPA-filtered ceiling diffusers if pressure-independent terminal units provide the operator a means to verify the actual airflow to the HEPA-filtered diffusers in each room. Provisions shall be made to allow access for field testing. A recognized air flow measuring device would be acceptable, in lieu of terminal units.

     Table 2.1-2 Ventilation Requirements for Areas Affecting Patient Care in Hospitals and Outpatient Facilities

     Footnote 8 The ranges listed are the minimum and maximum limits where control is specifically needed. The maximum and minimum limits are not intended to be independent of a space's associated temperature. See figure 2.1-1 for a graphic representation of the indicated changes on a psychometric chart. Shaded area is acceptable range.


CHAPTER 2.2 SMALL INPATIENT PRIMARY CARE HOSPITALS

     1.3.2 Parking

     This section not adopted.


CHAPTER 2.3 PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS

     1.6.1 Parking

     This section is not adopted.


CHAPTER 3.1 OUTPATIENT FACILITIES

     1.7.2 Parking

     This section is not adopted.

     7.1.2 Plumbing and Other Piping Systems

     7.1.2.1 General Piping and Valves

     (3) To prevent food contamination, no plumbing lines shall be exposed overhead or on walls where possible accumulation of dust or soil may create a cleaning problem or where leaks would create a potential for food contamination.


CHAPTER 3.2 PRIMARY CARE OUTPATIENT CENTERS

     1.3.1 Parking

     This section is not being adopted.


CHAPTER 3.3 SMALL PRIMARY (NEIGHBORHOOD) OUTPATIENT FACILITIES

     1.3.2 Parking

     This section is not adopted.


CHAPTER 3.5 FREESTANDING URGENT CARE FACILITIES

     1.2.2 Parking

     This section is not adopted.


CHAPTER 3.6 FREESTANDING BIRTHING CENTERS

     1.2.1 Parking

     This section is not adopted.


CHAPTER 3.7 OUTPATIENT SURGICAL FACILITIES

     1.6.1 Parking

     This section is not adopted.


CHAPTER 3.9 GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY FACILITIES

     1.6.1 Parking

     This section is not adopted.


CHAPTER 3.11 PSYCHIATRIC OUTPATIENT CENTERS

     1.3.1 Parking

     This section is not adopted.))

CHAPTER 1.1 INTRODUCTION

     1.1-5.5 Referenced Codes and Standards


     Washington State Building Code (http://www.sbcc.wa.gov/)


CHAPTER 1.2 PLANNING, DESIGN, AND IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS

     1.2-6.1.4 Design Criteria for Room Noise Levels

     (1) Room noise levels shall not exceed the sound level ranges shown for the chosen rating system in Table 1.2-2 (Minimum-Maximum Design Criteria for Noise in Interior Spaces).


CHAPTER 2.1 COMMON ELEMENTS FOR HOSPITALS

     2.1-2.6.7 Nourishment Area or Room

     2.1-2.1.6.7.5 Nourishment function may be combined with a clean utility without duplication of sinks and work counters.


     2.1-2.6.12 Environmental Services Room

     2.1-2.6.12.3 Environmental services and soiled rooms may be combined.


     2.1-7.2.3 Surfaces

     2.1-7.2.3.2 Flooring

     2.1-7.2.3.2(14) The floors and wall bases of kitchens, soiled workrooms, and other areas subject to frequent wet cleaning shall be either seamless flooring with integral coved base, sealed ceramic tile with ceramic tile base, or equivalent.


     *2.1-8.2.1 General

     Basic HVAC system requirements are defined in Part 6 of this document, ANSI/ASHRAE/ASHE Standard 170-2008: Ventilation of Health Care Facilities. This section of the Guidelines includes additional requirements.


     *2.1-8.2.1 General

     *2.1-8.2.1.1 Mechanical system design


     (f) VAV systems. The energy-saving potential of variable-air-volume systems is recognized, and the requirements herein are intended to maximize appropriate use of those systems. Any system used for occupied areas shall include provisions to avoid air stagnation in interior spaces where thermostat demands are met by temperatures of surrounding areas and air movement relationship changes if constant volume and variable volume are supplied by one air-handling system with a common pressure dependent return system.


     *2.1-8.2.1.1 Mechanical system design

     (2) Air-handling systems with unitary equipment that serves only one room. These units shall be permitted for use as recirculating units only. All outdoor air shall be provided by a separate air-handling system with proper filtration, as noted in 2.1-8.2.5.1 (Filter efficiencies).

     (a) Recirculating room HVAC units themselves shall have a MERV 6 (or higher) filter in Filter Bank 1 and are not required to have Filter Bank 2. For more information see AIA (2006).

     (b) Recirculating room units shall be allowed in General Laboratory rooms and Sterilizer Equipment rooms provided at least 6 air changes are provided by the air handling system and adequate total cooling capacity is provided.


     2.1-8.2.2 HVAC Requirements for Specific Locations

     2.1-8.2.2.7 Emergency and radiology waiting areas

     When these areas are not enclosed, the exhaust air change rate shall be based on the general volume of the space designated for patients waiting for treatment.


     2.1-8.2.4 HVAC Air Distribution

     2.1-8.2.4.2 HVAC ductwork

     *(2) Humidifiers

     (a) If humidifiers are located upstream of the final filters, they shall be at least twice the rated distance for full moisture absorption upstream of the final filters.

     (b) Ductwork with duct-mounted humidifiers shall have a means of water removal.

     (c) Humidifiers shall be connected to airflow proving switches that prevent humidification unless the required volume of airflow is present or high-limit humidistats are provided.

     (d) All duct takeoffs shall be sufficiently downstream of the humidifier to ensure complete moisture absorption.

     (e) Steam humidifiers shall be used. Reservoir-type water spray or evaporative pan humidifiers shall not be used.

     Appendix Language:

     A2.1-8.2.4.1(2) It is recognized that some facilities may not require humidity control within the ranges in table 2.1-2 and that the final determination of a facility's ability to control humidity will be made by that facility.


     2.1-8.3.7 Call Systems

     2.1-8.3.7.3 Bath Stations

     Appendix Language:

     A2.1-8.3.7.3 Where new construction or renovation work is undertaken, hospitals should make every effort to install assistance systems in all public and staff toilets.


     2.1-8.4.3 Plumbing Fixtures

     2.1-8.4.3.1 General

     (1) Materials. The material used for plumbing fixtures shall be nonabsorptive and acid-resistant.

     (2) Clearances. Water spouts used in lavatories and sinks shall have clearances adequate to:

     (a) avoid contaminating utensils and the contents of carafes, etc.

     (b) provide a minimum clearance of 6" from the bottom of the spout to the flood rim of the sink to support proper hand washing asepsis technique without the user touching the faucet, control levers, or the basin.


     Appendix Language:

     A2.1-8.4.3.2 Aerator usage on water spouts may contribute to the enhanced growth of waterborne organisms and is not recommended.


     2.1-8.4.3.6 Scrub sinks. Freestanding scrub sinks and lavatories used for scrubbing in procedure rooms shall be trimmed with foot, knee, or electronic sensor controls; single-lever wrist blades are not permitted.


CHAPTER 2.2 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR GENERAL HOSPITALS


     2.2-2.2 Medical/Surgical Nursing Unit

     2.2-2.2.2 Patient Room

     2.2-2.2.2.1 Capacity

     (1) In new construction, the maximum number of beds per room shall be two.

     (2) Where renovation work is undertaken and the present capacity is more than one patient, maximum room capacity shall be no more than the present capacity with a maximum of four patients.


     *2.2-2.2.2.5 Hand-washing stations

     (1) Location

     (a) A hand-washing station shall be provided in every toilet room serving more than one patient. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers shall be provided where sinks are not required.

     (b) A hand-washing station shall be provided in the patient room in addition to that in the toilet room.

     (i) This hand-washing station shall be convenient for use by health care personnel and others entering and leaving the room.

     (ii) When multi-patient rooms are permitted, this station shall be located outside the patients' cubicle curtains.


     2.2-2.2.6 Support Areas for Medical/Surgical Nursing Units

     2.2-2.2.6.5 Hand-washing stations. For design requirements, see 2.1-2.6.5.

     (1) Hand-washing stations shall be conveniently accessible to the medication station and nourishment area. "Convenient" is defined as not requiring staff to access more than two spaces separated by a door.

     (2) If it is convenient to each area, one hand-washing station shall be permitted to serve several areas.


     2.2-3.2 Freestanding Emergency Care Facility

     2.2-3.2.1 General

     2.2-3.2.1.1 Definition

     (1) "Freestanding emergency care facility" shall mean an extension of an existing hospital emergency department that is physically separate from (i.e., not located on the same campus as) the main hospital emergency department and that is intended to provide comprehensive emergency service.

     (2) A freestanding emergency care facility that does not provide 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week operation or that is not capable of providing basic services as defined for hospital emergency departments shall not be classified as a freestanding emergency care facility and shall be described under other portions of this document. Any facility advertising itself to the public as an emergency department or facility shall meet the requirements of Section 2.2-3.2.


     2.2-3.2.1.2 Application. Except as noted in the following sections, the requirements for freestanding emergency service shall be the same as for hospital emergency service as described in Section 2.2-3.1 (Emergency Service).


     2.2-3.2.2 Facility Requirements

     This section is not adopted


     2.2-3.3.3 Pre- and Postoperative Patient Care Areas

     *2.2-3.3.3.3 Post-anesthetic care unit (PACU)

     (4) Each PACU shall contain the following:

     (a) A medication station.

     (b) Hand-washing stations. At least one hand-washing station with hands-free or wrist-blade operable controls shall be available for every six beds or fraction thereof, uniformly distributed to provide equal access from each bed.

     (c) Nurse station with charting facilities.

     (d) Clinical sink.

     (e) Provisions for bedpan cleaning.

     (f) Storage space for stretchers, supplies, and equipment.

     (g) Staff toilet. A staff toilet shall be located within the working area to maintain staff availability to patients.


     2.2-4.2 Pharmacy Service

     2.2-4.2.1 General: Until final adoption of USP 797 by either federal or other state programs, facilities may request plan review for conformance to USP 797 with their initial submission to the Department of Health, Construction Review Services.


CHAPTER 3.1 OUTPATIENT FACILITIES

     *3.1-3.2.2 General Purpose Examination/Observation Room

     3.1-3.2.2.2 Space requirements

     (3) Existing general purpose examination rooms under review for addition to a hospital license shall be no less than 80 gross square feet and provide a minimum 2'-6" clearance around the examination table.


     3.1-4.1.2 Laboratory Testing/Work Area

     3.1-4.1.2.2 Work counters

     (2) Work counters shall be sufficient to meet equipment specifications and lab technician needs and have the following:

     (a) Sinks.

     (b) Communications service.

     (c) Electrical service.


     3.1-6.1.1 Vehicular Drop-Off and Pedestrian Entrance

     3.1-6.1.1 Vehicular Drop-Off and Pedestrian Entrance (for ambulatory surgery facilities only). This shall be at grade level, sheltered from inclement weather, and accessible to the disabled.


     A3.1-6.1.1 Accessibility requirements for all facility types can be found in 1.1-4.1


     3.1-7.1 Building Codes and Standards


     3.1-7.1.1.2

     This Section is not adopted.


     3.1-7.1.1.3

     This section is not adopted.


     3.1-7.1.3 Provision for Disasters

     3.1-7.1.3.1 Earthquakes

     Seismic force resistance of new construction for outpatient facilities shall comply with Section 1.2-6.5 (Provisions for Disasters). Where the outpatient facility is part of an existing building, that facility shall comply with applicable local codes.


     3.1-7.2.2 Architectural Details

     3.1-7.2.2.1 Corridor width

     (1) Public corridors shall have a minimum width of 5 feet (1.52 meters). Staff-only corridors shall be permitted to be 3 feet 8 inches (1.12 meters) wide unless greater width is required by NFPA 101 (occupant load calculations). Existing clinics that do not use gurneys shall meet the requirements of NFPA 101 for appropriate occupancy type.


     3.1-8.2.4 HVAC Air Distribution

     3.1-8.2.4.1 Return air systems. For patient care areas where invasive applications or procedures are performed and rooms containing materials used in these applications and procedures, return air shall be via ducted systems.


     3.1-8.4.3 Plumbing Fixtures

     3.1-8.4.3.1 General

     (2) Clearances. Water spouts used in lavatories and sinks shall have clearances adequate to:

     (a) avoid contaminating utensils and the contents of carafes, etc.

     (b) provide a minimum clearance of 6" from the bottom of the spout to the flood rim of the sink to support proper hand washing asepsis technique without the user touching the faucet, control levers, or the basin.


     Appendix Language:

     A3.1-8.4.3 Aerator usage on water spouts may contribute to the enhanced growth of waterborne organisms and is not recommended.


CHAPTER 3.2 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR PRIMARY CARE OUTPATIENT CENTERS

     3.2-1.3 Site

     3.2-1.3.1 Parking

     This section is not adopted.


CHAPTER 3.3 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR SMALL PRIMARY CARE (NEIGHBORHOOD) OUTPATIENT FACILITIES

     3.3-1.3 Site

     3.3-1.3.2 Parking

     This section is not adopted.


CHAPTER 3.7 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR OUTPATIENT SURGICAL FACILITIES

     3.7-1.3 Site

     3.7-1.3.2 Parking

     This section is not adopted.


CHAPTER 3.11 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR PSYCHIATRIC OUTPATIENT CENTERS

     3.11-1.3 Site

     3.11-1.3.1 Parking

     This section is not adopted.


CHAPTER 5.1 MOBILE, TRANSPORTABLE, AND RELOCATABLE UNITS

     5.1-1.1 Application

     5.1-1.1.1 Unit Types

     This section applies to mobile, transportable, and modular structures as defined below. These units can increase public access to needed services.

     Mobile mammography units do not require review by the Department of Health, Construction Review Services.


     Appendix Language:

     A5.1-1.1.1 The facility providing services, including mobile mammography, should review these requirements in consideration of the service offering and the delivery of care model.


     5.1-7.2 Architectural Details and Surfaces for Unit Construction

     5.1-7.2.2 Surfaces

     If the mobile unit is permanently installed, finishes shall comply with the requirements in this section.


     5.1-7.2.2.1 Interior finish materials

     (1) Interior finish materials shall meet the requirements of NFPA 101.


     5.1-8.6 Safety and Security Systems

     5.1-8.6.1 Fire Alarm System

     Fire alarm notification shall be provided to the facility while the unit is on site.


     5.1-8.6.1.2 Each mobile unit shall provide fire alarm notification by one of the following methods:

     (1) Via an auto-dialer connected to the unit's smoke detectors.

     (2) An audible device located on the outside of the unit.

     (3) Connection to the building fire alarm system.


Part 6

ANSI/ASHRAE/ASHE Standard 170-2008: Ventilation of Health Care Facilities


     Table 7-1 - Design Parameters


Function of Space RH (k), %
Class B and C operating rooms (m)(n)(o) max 60
Operating/surgical cystoscopy (m)(n)(o) max 60
Delivery room (Caesarean) (m)(n)(o) max 60
Treatment room (p) max 60
Trauma room (crisis or shock) (c) max 60
Laser eye room max 60
Class A Operating/Procedure room (o)(d) max 60
Endoscopy max 60

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.41 RCW. 08-14-023, § 246-320-600, filed 6/20/08, effective 7/21/08.]

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office