Section 325.20213. Construction and major alterations of nursing homes.

(1) A home shall not contract for or initiate either of the following projects without first obtaining a construction permit from the department:

(a)   A project for which a construction permit is required by section 20145 of the code.

(b)    A project to expand or change service areas for services provided which involves major alterations.

(2)   The owner or governing body of a home or proposed home shall submit plans for projects described in subrule (1) of this rule to the department for review and approval before contracting for and initiating such projects. The department shall approve the plans if it determines that the project is designed and constructed in accord with  applicable  statutory and regulatory requirements.

(3)   A major alteration is deemed to be any extensive structural alteration of an existing building area involving significant changes in the interior configurations or intended use by the moving of partitions of

a  number  of  rooms  and  involving   an  expenditure   in  an  amount  in      excess      of

$25,000.00. Removal of a partition between 2 adjacent rooms to provide additional room space is not deemed to be a major alteration, unless  it exceeds $25,000.00 in cost or unless multiple changes are to be made for a changed use of an entire wing or area and extensive plumbing or electrical wiring changes are required.

(4)   The department may waive the applicability of this rule if it determines the waiver will not affect the public  health, safety, and welfare.

History: 1981 AACS.