Applicability of These Standards

Section 350 Section 350.2610  Applicability of These Standards a)         These standards shall apply to all new Long-Term Care Facilities and major alterations and additions to existing Long-Term Care Facilities. (Major alterations are those that are not defined as minor alterations in Section 350.2610(f) of this Part.)  Long-Term Care Facilities contemplating construction shall contact the Health Facilities Planning Board for information concerning the current requirements. Projects for which working drawings and specifications have received final approval by the Department prior to the promulgation of these Standards are subject only to those Standards that were in effect at the time that the final approval was given. b)         When construction is contemplated, either for new buildings or additions or major alterations to existing buildings coming within the scope of these standards, design development drawings and outline specifications shall be submitted to the Department for review.  Approval of design development drawings and specifications shall be obtained from the Department prior to starting final working drawings and specifications.  Comments or approval will be provided within 30 days of receipt by the Department. c)         The final working drawings and specifications shall be submitted to the Department for review and approval prior to beginning of construction.  For final approval to remain valid, contracts must be signed within one year of the date of final approval.  Alternate methods of design development and construction such as fast track may be acceptable subject to the approval of the Department.  Comments of approval will be provided within 30 days of receipt by the Department. d)         Any contract modifications which affect or change the function, design, or purpose of a facility shall be submitted to the Department for approval prior to authorizing the modifications.  Comments or approval will be provided within 30 days of receipt by the Department. e)         The Department shall be notified at least 30 days before construction has been completed.  The Department will then complete a final inspection. Deficiencies noted during the final inspection must be completed before occupancy will be allowed. f)         Minor alterations or remodeling changes which do not affect the structural integrity of the building, which do not change functional operation, which do not affect fire safety, and which do not add beds or facilities over those for which the Long-Term Care Facility is licensed need not be submitted for drawing approval.  However, the Health Facilities Planning Board requirements must be met for all alterations and remodeling projects. g)         No system of water supply, plumbing, sewage, garbage or refuse disposal shall be installed, nor any such existing system materially altered or extended until complete plans and specifications for the installation, alteration or extension have been submitted to the Department and have been reviewed and approved.