The Department of Health, Division of Safety Inspection, has the responsibility of surveying health care facilities to determine compliance with federal certification and state licensure. In addition to the survey process, the division also has the responsibility of reviewing and approving construction drawings for all health care facilities in the commonwealth.
The vision provides sophisticated building analysis in accordance with the federal and state mandated Life Safety Code from the National Fire Protection Association. This analysis constitutes a review of the structural design and fireproofing. Within that framework, electrical systems, plumbing, heating, ventilation, fire alarm, sprinkler system and smoke detection systems must be evaluated. The vision’s plan review staff meets with architects and engineers frequently to determine the acceptability of designs for health care facilities.
The division surveys yearly over 1,350 facilities, with over 3,000 individual buildings.