SECTION 133.166. Mobile, Transportable, and Relocatable Units

(a) Definitions.

(1) Mobile unit--Any pre-manufactured structure, trailer, or self-propelled unit equipped with a chassis on wheels and intended to provide shared medical services to the community on a temporary basis. Some of these units are equipped with expanding walls and designed to be moved on a daily basis.

(2) Relocatable unit--Any structure, not on wheels, that is built to be relocated at any time and provide medical services. These structures vary in size.

(3) Transportable unit--Any pre-manufactured structure or trailer, equipped with a chassis on wheels, intended to provide shared medical services to the community on an extended temporary basis. These units are designed to be moved periodically, depending on need.

(b) General. When mobile, transportable and relocatable units are utilized to provide patient treatment services on the hospital premises, these units shall be treated as buildings and constructed to the required occupancy as follows.

(1) When such units are provided for diagnostic, treatment or procedural services to patients who are litter borne, under general anesthesia, or incapable of self-preservation, the unit shall be constructed in accordance with Chapter 18 of the National Fire Protection Association 101, Life Safety Code, 2003 edition (NFPA 101), relating to health care occupancy, published by the National Fire Protection Association. All documents published by the NFPA as referenced in this section may be obtained by writing or calling the NFPA at the following address and telephone number: Post Office Box 9101, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, Massachusetts 02269-9101, [phone].

(2) When such units provide diagnostic, treatment, or procedural services to patients who are not litter borne, not under general anesthesia, and are capable of self-preservation, the unit may be constructed in accordance with Chapter 38 of NFPA 101 (relating to Business Occupancy).

(c) Common elements.

(1) Site requirements.

(A) Sites shall have a level concrete or asphalt pad and be designed for the structural loads of the unit.

(B) The sites shall provide hazard-free drop-off zones and adequate parking for patients. The site and location of the unit shall not restrict access for fire or emergency vehicles.

(C) Each site shall provide access to the unit for the handicapped, and wheelchair and stretcher patients.

(D) When a mobile, transportable, or relocatable unit is not physically attached to the hospital and provides inpatient services, a covered walkway or enclosure from the hospital to the unit shall be provided to ensure patient safety from the outside elements.

(E) The location of the unit shall be such that engine exhaust fumes from the unit are kept away from any fresh air intake of the hospital.

(F) When a mobile, transportable, or relocatable unit is permanently connected appropriately for the climate to the hospital or the unit does not move on a regular basis, i.e. every 90 days or less, the units shall be provided with the following equipment and systems connected to the hospital:

(i) fire alarm system;

(ii) sprinkler system;

(iii) electrical system and the essential electrical system;

(iv) water and waste water system;

(v) medical gas systems; and

(vi) nurses calling systems.

(2) Support services. Support services shall meet the requirements of this chapter for new construction. These support services and areas shall be provided either within the mobile, transportable, or relocatable unit or located within the hospital adjacent to the unit served.

(3) Details and finishes. Details and finishes shall be in accordance with §133.162(d)(2) of this title (relating to New Construction Requirements).

(4) Mechanical requirements. Mechanical requirements shall be in accordance with §133.162(d)(3) of this title.

(5) Piping systems and plumbing fixtures. Piping systems and plumbing fixtures shall be in accordance with §133.162(d)(4) of this title.

(6) Electrical requirements. Electrical requirements shall be in accordance with §133.162(d)(5) of this title.

Source Note: The provisions of this §133.166 adopted to be effective June 21, 2007, 32 TexReg 3587