Section 325.21303. Narrative program; architectural plans and specifications; construction permit.

(1) A nursing home, through its governing body, administrator, designated representative, or architect under contract to the home, shall provide a narrative program for each construction project before submitting architectural plans and specifications to the department for review and approval or disapproval. The narrative program shall include, at a minimum, a description of all of the following:

(a)   Each function to be performed in the home.

(b)   Functional space requirements.

(c)   Number of staff or other occupants anticipated for the various functional units.

(d)  Type of equipment to be required and utilized.

(e)   Interrelationship of functional spaces.

(f)   Services and equipment to be brought into the home from outside the home and not requiring duplication in the home. A copy of a narrative program prepared for submission in conjunction with a certificate of need application or for some other purpose

may be accepted for purposes of compliance with this rule to the extent it provides the required data and information as determined by the department.

(2)   Construction projects involving alterations of, and additions to, existing nursing homes remaining in operation during the construction shall be planned, programmed, and phased so that on-site construction permits the continued operation of the home without significant disruption or effect on patient care.

(3)   Complete architectural plans and specifications for construction projects shall be submitted to the department for review and approval or disapproval to assure compliance with the code and these rules. Construction projects shall not be initiated until the plans and specifications have been approved by the department and a permit has been issued for the initiation of such construction.

(4)    Changes in architectural plans and specifications proposed in the course of construction shall be brought to the attention of the department for review and approval or disapproval before altering the course of construction.

(5)    Architectural and engineering plans and specifications shall be prepared and sealed by architects and professional engineers licensed to practice in Michigan.

(6)   Projects involving normal building maintenance, repair, upkeep, and equipment replacement not requiring a certificate of need shall not be submitted for review.

(7)    A permit for construction shall not be issued until such time as an acceptable valid certificate of need has been issued if required for the construction project and if the project conforms with the code and these rules as determined by the department.

(8)   A construction project requiring a permit shall not be occupied until all of the following occur:

(a)   An architect or professional engineer has evaluated the project on-site and has forwarded findings and appropriate documentation to the department to indicate that the project is substantially complete and constructed in accordance with approved plans and specifications.

(b)     The department has determined and so notified the project sponsor of its determination that the project component is acceptable for occupancy.

(c)   The bureau of fire services, department of licensing and regulatory affairs, has certified the project or project component for use and occupancy.

History: 1981 AACS; 1983 AACS; 2014 AACS.