CHC Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) & Healthcare Plan Review

Question 1

In healthcare construction, 'Authority Having Jurisdiction' (AHJ) is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

The organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard

Answer

The AHJ is any organization, office, or individual empowered to enforce applicable codes and standards. In healthcare construction, multiple AHJs apply simultaneously — local building departments, state health departments, state fire marshals, and CMS or accreditation bodies each enforce their own jurisdictional requirements.

Question 2

When multiple AHJs impose conflicting requirements on the same healthcare construction project, the general governing principle is:

Accepted Answer

The most stringent requirement governs, and the design team must satisfy all applicable AHJs

Answer

When AHJ requirements conflict, the project must satisfy all applicable authorities. Where specific requirements differ, the most stringent governs to ensure full multi-jurisdiction compliance. The design and construction team cannot satisfy one AHJ at the expense of another — all must be addressed.

Question 3

Certificate of Need (CON), in states where it exists, is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A state-level regulatory approval required before adding certain healthcare facilities or major services

Answer

Certificate of Need (CON) laws require healthcare providers in applicable states to obtain state approval before undertaking major capital expenditures, building new facilities, or adding specific services. The CON review assesses community need, financial feasibility, and impact on existing providers — all before construction can begin.

Question 4

State health department plan review for a new hospital is primarily focused on:

Accepted Answer

Ensuring the facility design meets state healthcare licensure requirements, including FGI Guidelines compliance

Answer

State health departments review healthcare construction documents to ensure compliance with state licensure requirements, which typically incorporate the FGI Guidelines and other healthcare-specific codes. This is a separate review from the local building department and specifically evaluates the facility's fitness to be licensed and operated as a healthcare facility.

Question 5

Who has the authority to grant a variance or waiver from a specific code requirement on a healthcare construction project?

Accepted Answer

The applicable AHJ that enforces the requirement in question

Answer

Only the AHJ responsible for enforcing a given requirement has the authority to grant a variance or waiver from it. The applicant — typically the owner or design team — must formally submit the request demonstrating that the alternative approach meets the intent of the code, or that strict compliance creates undue hardship.

(CHC) Certified Health Care Constructor Practice Test

(CHC) Certified Health Care Constructor Practice Test

CHC Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) & Healthcare Plan Review