Construction / Renovation
In the area of construction and renovation, CHA assists hospitals by reviewing and commenting on proposed regulations, attending all Hospital Building Safety Board (HBSB) meetings, nominating hospital representatives to the HBSB Board and serving as liaison between hospitals and the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development's (OSHPD) Facility Development Division when issues need to be resolved.
Due to the complexity of hospital construction, OSHPD serves as the building official for all hospital general acute-care inpatient facilities in California. To determine the clinic buildings under OSHPD’s jurisdiction, see the Clinic CAN. OSHPD is responsible for the plan review and area compliance activities for hospital construction. Once OSHPD's work has been completed, OSHPD notifies the Department of Public Health Licensing and Certification Program, which provides a certificate of occupancy for the new building/service.
OSHPD can propose building codes. However, they must be adopted by the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) prior to becoming building standards. The State Fire Marshal is responsible for the development of fire and life/safety codes.
OSHPD receives its authority under the Hospital Facilities Seismic Safety Act (HFSSA), which was enacted in 1973. The HFSSA originally pertained only to new construction or retrofits/renovations that affect the structural integrity of the building. Following the Northridge Earthquake, SB 1953 (Chapter 740, Statutes of 1994) was enacted, which established deadlines hospitals need to meet to remain operational. This is referred to as Seismic Mandate. In carrying out the Hospital Facilities Seismic Safety Act, the OSHPD Director receives advice/consultation from the HBSB as needed.
Best Practices
In 2006 the California Healthcare Foundation, in conjunction with CHA, developed Project Management, Design, and Construction of Buildings Under OSHPD Jurisdiction. Hospital representatives, architects, engineers and contractors should review this publication prior to carrying out their role in a hospital construction project.