Florida construction requirements for medical builds follow strict guidelines under the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). The agency is responsible for administering the Florida Medicaid program, licensing and regulating Florida’s health facilities, and providing information to Floridians about the quality of care they receive.

From the perspective of the construction industry, AHCA requirements primarily focus on the life safety aspects of the build and ensuring that the health care facilities are safe and functional for patients and residents.

Construction Plan Review Requirements Based on Building Classification

AHCA requirements apply to any medical facility that has to do with caring for others such as nursing homes, pediatric centers, medical offices, surgery centers, x-ray facilities, and other health care service providers.

The scope of medical facilities that fall under AHCA regulations is vast, but there are some differences in construction plan review requirements depending on how the building is classified.

• Patient buildings – In-patient facilities are subject to AHCA requirements and require full construction plan review. These buildings would include hospitals, nursing homes, ambulatory surgical centers, and intermediate care facilities for the developmentally disabled.

• Non-patient buildings – Outpatient facilities must also be reviewed by AHCA, but those that meet certain exemptions, including those that do not provide services to any in-patients, may receive a letter of exemption after a cursory review is conducted.

Other facilities, such as adult living facilities, hospices, and birthing centers, are licensed by AHCA, but plan review is not required.

Understanding building classifications is important when planning a medical facility construction project so you can be sure to comply with all regulations during construction. For more information about AHCA requirements, you can visit AHCA’s Office of Plans and Construction website as well as get in touch with our team at Seacoast Construction.