CHC Building Codes & Standards for Healthcare Construction

Question 1

What publication is considered the primary reference document for the design and construction of hospitals in the United States?

Accepted Answer

FGI Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospitals

Answer

The FGI (Facility Guidelines Institute) Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospitals is the primary reference adopted by most states for healthcare facility construction. It sets minimum requirements specific to healthcare design and construction, whereas NFPA 101 covers life safety and ASHRAE 170 covers ventilation.

Question 2

NFPA 99, the Health Care Facilities Code, primarily governs which aspect of a healthcare facility?

Accepted Answer

Utility systems including medical gas, vacuum, and electrical systems

Answer

NFPA 99 specifically covers utility systems critical to patient care, including medical gas and vacuum systems, electrical systems, and information technology. Egress and smoke compartmentation fall under NFPA 101, while infection control during construction is governed by ICRA/PCRA protocols.

Question 3

Which edition of the FGI Guidelines is legally enforceable on a healthcare construction project?

Accepted Answer

The edition adopted and referenced in the state's statutes or regulations

Answer

States adopt specific editions of the FGI Guidelines through a formal regulatory process. A project must comply with the edition the jurisdiction has legally adopted, regardless of whether a newer edition has since been published. Always verify the adopted edition with the applicable state health department.

Question 4

Under CMS Conditions of Participation, which entity typically performs the life safety survey verifying compliance for hospitals seeking Medicare/Medicaid certification?

Accepted Answer

The State Survey Agency or a CMS-approved accreditation organization

Answer

CMS requires hospitals to comply with the Life Safety Code. Compliance is verified by state survey agencies or CMS-approved accreditation organizations such as The Joint Commission. This is distinct from local code enforcement and specifically tied to Medicare/Medicaid participation.

Question 5

NFPA 101 classifies a hospital providing 24-hour inpatient care as which occupancy type?

Accepted Answer

Health Care

Answer

NFPA 101 classifies hospitals as Health Care occupancies (Chapter 18 for new construction, Chapter 19 for existing). This classification carries specific requirements for smoke compartmentation, sprinkler systems, and a defend-in-place strategy because patients are non-ambulatory and cannot self-evacuate.

(CHC) Certified Health Care Constructor Practice Test

(CHC) Certified Health Care Constructor Practice Test

CHC Building Codes & Standards for Healthcare Construction