This program is designed for architects, engineers and health care professionals that design and/or work on new construction, renovations or alterations of health care facilities. The Director for the Division of Safety Inspection from the Pennsylvania Department of Health will present the program and is responsible for all plan reviews of health care facilities in Pennsylvania and also responsible for all onsite Life Safety surveys for approved projects. There will be a review on what level of projects must be submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Health and how to properly submit.
The program will then cover state licensure and federal certification requirements related to providing physical environments that support healthy and safe outcomes. This includes the Safety Risk Assessment to ensure the appropriate health care specialists are involved in the planning process. Common Life Safety/Fire Safety issues found at plan review will be addressed. Considerations for the new federal emergency preparedness requirements will be reviewed such that new construction and renovations within health care facilities are in compliance with the emergency preparedness policy of the facility. Also included will be a section on renovations within existing health care facilities to review how to request exceptions to new requirements based upon no loss of patient health or safety.