AB 2632 Project Review

The enactment of AB 2632 (Chapter 453, statutes of 2004) added Health and Safety Code Section 129875.1 to the Alfred E. Alquist Hospital Facilities Seismic Safety Act.

• This statute authorizes specified hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities to perform some maintenance and repair work without plan approval by the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, Facilities Development Division (OSHPD).


• This statute’s provision applies only to single-story health facilities of wood or light steel frame construction.


• Its expedited procedure applies only to alterations that are designed to restore health facilities to normal operational status, that are necessary to repair systems or equipment, or that are undertaken for routine maintenance purposes. Examples of such repair or maintenance projects might include replacement of hot water heaters, dishwashers, handrails, lights, and finish materials.


• Except for the provisions in the bill for expedited permitting, these construction projects must still conform to the provisions of the latest California Building Standards Code.

Explanation of the procedures and requirements

• An Application for New Project (OSH-FD-121) and a Testing, Inspection and Observation (TIO) Program must be submitted and approved by OSHPD before construction begins. The application must include a description of the work to be performed, and how the project meets the criteria set forth in statute. Specifically, the project must meet all of the following criteria:
1. The construction or alteration is for a single-story building of wood frame or light steel frame construction.


2. The construction or alteration is undertaken to repair existing systems or to keep up the course of normal or routine maintenance.


3. The construction or alteration either restores the facility to the same operational status, or improves operational status from its operating condition immediately prior to the event, occurrence, or condition that necessitated the alteration.


4. The scope of the construction or alteration is not ordinarily within the standard of practice of a licensed architect or registered engineer.


5. The construction or alteration does not degrade the status of condition of the fire and life safety system from the status of the system immediately prior to the event, occurrence, or condition that necessitated the alteration.


• The Office will notify the applicant in ten (10) working days or less if the project has been accepted or rejected, or is exempted from OSHPD review. If approved, the Regional Compliance Officer (RCO) will sign the application/permit form and notify the applicant and the Compliance Officer. Any special conditions for the approval will be noted on the application form. A Testing, Inspection and Observation (TIO) Program must also be submitted to the Office before a permit can be issued. Upon approval of the application/permit, the construction work may commence.


• The Office must inspect and approve the completed work prior to use of the system or subject of construction or alteration. Any deficiencies must be corrected before use of the system or alteration will be allowed. The Office may require interim inspection when walls, ceilings or other construction materials will cover the finished work. Responsible parties shall file verified reports in accordance with the requirements of the TIO Program.

The procedures explained above for the implementation of AB 2632 do not preclude a facility from performing emergency work required by equipment failure, natural disaster or other occurrences that require immediate repair or replacement to ensure occupant safety or health. In such instances, the facility must request and obtain authorization from the Office prior to performing the work, and submit an application for plan review and construction documents as soon as possible. Please contact the RCO for specific requirements related to authorization for emergency work.

Please direct questions regarding these procedures or projects submitted under AB 2632 to the Regional Compliance Officer.