Plans and specifications

1. A facility shall submit plans and specifications to the department for approval for all construction, remodeling, and installations subject to review. The plans and specifications must be prepared by an architect or engineer licensed in North Dakota, unless otherwise determined by the department. 2. A facility shall contact the department prior to any substantial changes in or alterations to any portion of the structure to determine to what extent it is subject to review. A substantial change includes alterations affecting the fire safety or structural integrity of the building, changes in service areas or services provided within a service area, changes in bed capacity, or any other change governed by the standards of this chapter. The department may request plans, specifications, or other information as may be required and shall make the final determination on those areas subject to review. 3. Start of construction prior to approval by the department of the final plans and specifications is not permitted. 4. All construction, remodeling, and installations must be in accordance with the final plans and specifications approved by the department. Modifications or deviations from the approved plans and specifications must be submitted to and approved by the department. 5. The department may make inspections of construction, remodeling, or installations and arrange conferences with the facility to ensure conformance with approved plans and specifications. 6. The construction specifications must require the contractor to perform tests to ensure all systems conform to the approved plans and specifications.