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 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. 10-17-120, § 246-320-505, filed 8/18/10, effective 9/18/10; 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.]