Free ASHE Planning, Design, and Construction Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A hospital is undertaking a major renovation of its surgical suite. Which project delivery method is characterized by a single contract between the owner and a team that includes the designer and contractor, contractually binding them to collaboratively manage risk, share incentives, and optimize project outcomes through all phases?
- Design-Bid-Build (DBB)
- Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR)
- Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) (Correct answer)
- Design-Build (DB)
Correct answer: Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)
Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is a project delivery approach that integrates people, systems, and business structures into a process that collaboratively harnesses the talents of all participants to optimize project results. A key feature is a single, multi-party contract that includes the owner, architect, and contractor, who share in the risks and rewards of the project. This model is increasingly used in complex healthcare projects to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
Question 2: During the planning phase of a new hospital wing, the project team consults a set of documents that provide minimum standards for the design and construction of healthcare facilities, covering aspects like space requirements, infection prevention, and architectural details. Which organization publishes these widely recognized guidelines?
- The Joint Commission (TJC)
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE)
- Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI)
The Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that develops and publishes the 'Guidelines for Design and Construction' for hospitals, outpatient facilities, and residential health care facilities. These guidelines are the most widely recognized standards for healthcare facility design and construction in the United States and are used by many states and federal agencies as a basis for regulation.
Question 3: A healthcare facility manager is reviewing the Statement of Conditions (SOC) for their hospital. Which part of the SOC is used to document and manage self-identified deficiencies related to the Life Safety Code® that require a plan and timeline for correction?
- Basic Building Information (BBI)
- Plan for Improvement (PFI) (Correct answer)
- Interim Life Safety Measures (ILSM)
- Pre-Construction Risk Assessment (PCRA)
Correct answer: Plan for Improvement (PFI)
The Statement of Conditions (SOC) is a Joint Commission tool for managing compliance with the Life Safety Code. The Plan for Improvement (PFI) section is specifically used to outline action plans to correct any identified Life Safety Code deficiencies. This allows the organization to manage deficiencies that may take longer to resolve due to complexity or funding needs.
Question 4: Before starting a minor renovation project adjacent to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), a multidisciplinary team meets to determine the potential for airborne contaminants and to establish the necessary control measures. According to ASHE, this formal process is known as what?
- Pre-Construction Risk Assessment (PCRA)
- Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) (Correct answer)
- Interim Life Safety Measures (ILSM) Review
- Environment of Care (EOC) Meeting
Correct answer: Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA)
An Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) is a systematic process to identify and mitigate risks of transmitting contaminants during construction, renovation, or maintenance activities in a healthcare facility. The ASHE ICRA 2.0 process involves defining the construction activity type, identifying the patient risk group, and using a matrix to determine the required class of precautions to protect patients, staff, and visitors.
Question 5: Which NFPA standard is known as the Life Safety Code® and is a critical document referenced by The Joint Commission and CMS for establishing minimum requirements for both new and existing buildings to protect occupants from fire, smoke, and related hazards?
- NFPA 99
- NFPA 70
- NFPA 101 (Correct answer)
- NFPA 13
Correct answer: NFPA 101
NFPA 101, Life Safety Code®, is the standard that provides minimum requirements for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of buildings and structures for safety to life from fire. It is widely adopted and enforced by regulatory bodies like The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for healthcare facilities. It uniquely covers both new and existing structures.
Question 6: A construction project in a hospital will involve utility shutdowns, loud noise, and the creation of dust near patient care areas. According to The Joint Commission's Environment of Care standards, which comprehensive process must be conducted BEFORE this work begins to assess and mitigate a wide range of risks to patients, visitors, and staff?
- Infection Control Risk Mitigation (ICRM)
- Functional Program Review (FPR)
- Pre-Construction Risk Assessment (PCRA) (Correct answer)
- Life Safety Compliance Audit (LSCA)
Correct answer: Pre-Construction Risk Assessment (PCRA)
A Pre-Construction Risk Assessment (PCRA) is required by The Joint Commission Standard EC.02.06.05 to evaluate and mitigate risks before construction or maintenance activities begin. This process is comprehensive and must consider risks such as air quality, infection control (which includes the ICRA), noise, vibration, utility interruptions, and impacts on life safety features to ensure the safety of all building occupants.
Free ASHE Planning, Design, and Construction Questions and Answers
A hospital is undertaking a major renovation of its surgical suite.
Which project delivery method is characterized by a single contract between the owner and a team that includes the designer and contractor, contractually binding them to collaboratively manage risk, share incentives, and optimize project outcomes through all phases?
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