SECTION 554.351. Construction Standards for New Nursing Facilities

(a) This section applies to a facility licensed on or after April 2, 2018. The requirements of NFPA 101 and other applicable NFPA codes and standards referenced in NFPA 101 will apply unless otherwise noted or modified in this section:

(1) Buildings covered by this section must comply with the New Health Care Occupancies chapter of NFPA 101.

(2) In addition to NFPA 101 and the standards referenced therein, a facility covered by this division is subject to the codes, standards, and requirements established by the following: UL; ASHRAE; and ASTM.

(b) All applicable local, state, or national codes and ordinances must be met as determined by the authority having jurisdiction for those codes and ordinances and by HHSC. Any conflicts must be made known to HHSC for appropriate resolution.

(c) The design of structural systems must be done by or under the direction of a professional engineer who is currently licensed by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers.

(d) Nothing in this division may be construed as prohibiting a better type of building or construction, more space, services, features, or greater degree of safety than the minimum requirements.

Source Note: The provisions of this §554.351 adopted to be effective March 22, 2018, 43 TexReg 1646; transferred effective January 15, 2021, as published in the Texas Register December 11, 2020, 45 TexReg 8871