SB 1332

Abstract

Amends the Hospital Licensing Act. Provides that hospitals must submit plans and specifications only for major construction materially affecting patient isolation or operating rooms, hospital egress, compartmentalization or storage, and other conditions covered under the Life Safety Code. Provides that the Department must give a hospital that is planning to submit a construction project for review the opportunity to discuss its plans and specifications with the Department before the hospital formally submits the plans and specifications for Department review. Provides that the Department shall conduct on-site inspection of the completed project no later than 10 business days (rather than 30 days) after notification from the applicant that the project has been completed and all certifications have been received and accepted by the Department. Deletes provisions making waivers of compliance with the rules or standards applicable only to construction or physical plants. Makes changes in procedures for inspections, investigations, and surveys. Provides that if the Department does not resolve disputed deficiencies after the informal dispute resolution process, the Department must provide a written explanation to the hospital of why deficiencies have not been removed from the statement of deficiencies. Provides that the Department must implement a reviewer performance improvement program for hospital survey, inspection, and investigation staff. Makes other changes.