AIA/AAH: Decoding the Codes: Navigating Healthcare Facility Compliance from Design Through Occupancy | PDC Summit 2027 | New Orleans

Health care facilities are complex environments governed by an extensive array of codes, standards and regulations. Proper adherence is critical to ensuring patient safety, operational efficiency and compliance with legal requirements. This seminar provides participants with an in-depth understanding of health care facility compliance, from design through survey. We will explore key topics including:

• An overview of key health care codes, including but not limited to NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®, International Building Code and Facility Guidelines Institute codes.
• Guidance on applying appropriate code requirements based on occupancy and design requirements.
• Insights on the application of code requirements for renovating and expanding existing facilities.
• Practical strategies to identify overlaps and resolve conflicts between applicable codes.
• The roles and responsibilities of authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), including local building departments, fire marshals, health departments, federal agencies and accreditation bodies.
• Navigating varying interpretations and priorities across jurisdictions.
• Best practices for working collaboratively with AHJs to ensure timely approvals and compliance.
• Frequent misapplications of health care design codes.
• Examples of challenges faced during the inspection and approval phases.

This workshop, hosted by the AIA AAH Codes and Standards committee, will be a deep dive into the various codes, regulations and standards that govern the design, construction and operational aspects of health care environments. It will directly relate to the health, safety and welfare of the building occupants by discussing the intent behind specific code provisions in health care environments and how they can be implemented.

Hypothetical scenarios to illustrate proper code application during facility planning, design and construction will be included throughout the seminar to foster collaboration and integration. The course will provide attendees with the opportunity to engage in the dialogue by sharing their knowledge and experiences around the material being presented. Building professionals, architects, engineers, health care planners and facilities managers will leave the seminar equipped with actionable knowledge to meet code requirements efficiently and effectively, protect occupant health and safety and advance professional competency.

Speakers:

Tina Duncan, AIA, ACHA, CBO, Director of Code and Regulations, HKS, Inc.
Henry Kosarzycki, AIA, Code Architect, Flad Architects
Leah Hummel, AIA, CHFM, CHC, SASHE, Senior Associate Director of Regulatory Affairs, ASHE.

This is an add-on event for PDC Summit™ 2027. You may register for this event only, or add it to your PDC Summit schedule when you register. Already registered for the conference? Access your confirmation email to add this event to your schedule.