(1) Drawings and specifications for new construction, excluding minor alterations, must be prepared by or under the direction of, an architect registered under chapter 18.08 RCW. The services of a consulting engineer registered under chapter 18.43 RCW may be used for the various branches of work where appropriate. The services of a registered engineer may be used in lieu of the services of an architect if the scope of work is primarily engineering in nature.

(2) A hospital will meet the following requirements:

(a) Preconstruction. Request and attend a presubmission conference for projects with a construction value of two hundred fifty thousand dollars or more. The presubmission conference shall be scheduled to occur for the review of construction documents that are no less than fifty percent complete.

(b) Construction document review. Submit construction documents for proposed new construction to the department for review within ten days of submission to the local authorities. Compliance with these standards and regulations does not relieve the hospital of the need to comply with applicable state and local building and zoning codes.

The construction documents must include:

(i) A written program containing, but not limited to, the following:

(A) Information concerning services to be provided and operational methods to be used;

(B) An interim life safety measures plan to ensure the health and safety of occupants during construction and installation of finishes;

(C) An infection control risk assessment indicating appropriate infection control measures, keeping the surrounding area free of dust and fumes, and ensuring rooms or areas are well ventilated, unoccupied, and unavailable for use until free of volatile fumes and odors.

(ii) Drawings and specifications to include coordinated architectural, mechanical, and electrical work. Each room, area, and item of fixed equipment and major movable equipment must be identified on all drawings to demonstrate that the required facilities for each function are provided; and

(iii) Floor plan of the existing building showing the alterations and additions, and indicating location of any service or support areas; and

(iv) Required paths of exit serving the alterations or additions; and

(v) Verification that the capacities and loads of infrastructure systems will accommodate planned load.

(c) Resubmittals. The hospital will respond in writing when the department requests additional or corrected construction documents;

(d) Construction. Comply with the following requirements during the construction phase.

(i) The hospital will not begin construction until all of the following items are complete:

(A) The department has approved construction documents or granted authorization to begin construction; and

(B) The local jurisdictions have issued a building permit; and

(C) The hospital has notified the department in writing when construction will commence.

(ii) The department will issue an "authorization to begin construction" when the construction documents have been conditionally approved or when all of the following items have been reviewed and approved:

(A) A signed form acknowledging the risks if starting construction before the plan review has been completed. The acknowledgment of risks form shall be signed by the:

(I) Architect; and

(II) Hospital CEO, COO, or designee; and

(III) Hospital facilities director.

(B) The infection control risk assessment;

(C) The interim life safety plan;

(D) A presubmission conference has occurred.

(iii) Submit to the department for review any addenda or modifications to the construction documents;

(iv) Assure construction is completed in compliance with the final "department approved" documents. Compliance with these standards and regulations does not relieve the hospital of the need to comply with applicable state and local building and zoning codes. Where differences in interpretations occur, the hospital will follow the most stringent requirement.

(v) The hospital will allow any necessary inspections for the verification of compliance with the construction documents, addenda, and modifications.

(e) Project closeout. The hospital will not use any new or remodeled areas until:

(i) The department has approved construction documents; and

(ii) The local jurisdictions have completed all required inspections and approvals, when applicable or given approval to occupy; and

(iii) The facility notifies the department in writing when construction is completed and includes a copy of the local jurisdiction's approval for occupancy.