Are there architectural requirements for office-based practices?
It is expected that OBS practices will follow the accrediting agency’s standards for the physical plant requirements. These requirements may include standards for procedure room sizes, the need for soiled and clean utility, standards for pre-op and recovery, sterilization facilities, emergency power, oxygen, suction and gas among others. Additionally, localities will certainly have specific occupancy requirements, based upon business occupancies at minimum. These should set the minimum standards for building construction, fire and life safety. These local/municipal requirements may be subject to increase if the number of persons rendered incapable of taking action for self-preservation under emergency conditions without assistance from others, or are under the effects of general anesthesia, exceeds 4 – in number at any one time.
