1. (1) An REH shall be constructed, arranged, and maintained to ensure the safety of the patient, and to provide facilities for diagnosis and treatment of patients.
2. (2) An REH shall comply with the applicable requirements of the Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities. Facilities or portions of facilities built under the currently adopted codes shall comply with the requirements for New Health Care Occupancies in the currently adopted National Fire Protection Association 101, Life Safety Code. Facilities or portions of facilities built under previously adopted editions of the codes shall comply with the requirements for Existing Health Care Occupancies in the currently adopted Life Safety Code.

3. (3) Submission of Plans and Specifications. Any REH planning to have an addition or alteration of space and or conversion of space for other use shall provide plans and specifications to the Department in accordance with the Board's Rules for Submission of Plans and Specifications for Health Care Facilities, Chapter 420-5-22, Ala. Admin. Code.

   1. (a) Minor alterations and remodeling which do not affect the structural integrity of the building, which do not alter functional operation, which do not affect fire safety, and which do not add new services over those for which the facility is licensed, need not be submitted for approval.
   2. (b) Inspections. The Board and its authorized representatives shall have access to all facilities for inspection.

4. (4) Remodeling.

   1. (a) The remodeled area of existing facilities shall be upgraded to comply with the current requirements for new construction.
   2. (b) Any remodeling to existing facilities shall not diminish the level of safety which existed prior to the start of the work.

Author: Dana H. Billingsley

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§22-21-20, et seq.

History: New Rule: Published August 31, 2023; effective October 15, 2023.