This Subpart N shall apply to all new facilities and major alterations and additions to existing facilities. (Major alterations are those that are not defined as minor alterations in subsection (h) of this Section.) Facilities contemplating construction shall contact the Health Facilities and Services Review Board for information concerning the current requirements.
c) The drawings and specifications shall be submitted to the Department for review and approval prior to beginning of construction. For final approval to remain valid, contracts shall be signed within one year after the date of final approval.
1) The Department will inform an applicant in writing within 10 working days after receiving drawings and specifications and the required fee, if any, from the applicant whether the applicant's submission is complete or incomplete. Failure to provide the applicant with this notice within 10 working days will result in the submission being deemed complete for purposes of initiating the 60-day review period under the Act and this Part.
d) The drawings and specifications shall be of sufficient detail, pursuant to Section 300.2830, to enable the Department to render a determination of compliance with design and construction standards under the Act and this Part. If the Department finds that the drawings are not of sufficient detail to render a determination of compliance, the plans will be determined to be incomplete and will not be considered for purposes of initiating the 60-day review period.
1) If a submission of drawings and specifications is incomplete, the applicant may submit additional information. The 60-day review period will not commence until the Department determines that a submission of drawings and specifications is complete or the submission is deemed complete.
2) If the Department has not approved or disapproved the drawings and specifications within 60 days, the construction, major alteration, or addition will be deemed approved. If the drawings and specifications are disapproved, the Department will state in writing, with specificity, the reasons for the disapproval.
e) Any contract modifications that affect or change the function, design, or purpose of a facility shall be submitted to the Department for approval prior to authorizing the modifications. The approval will be based upon compliance with Section 300.2830. Comments or approval will be provided within 30 days after receipt by the Department.
h) Minor alterations or remodeling changes that do not affect the structural integrity of the building, that do not change functional operation, that do not affect fire or life safety, and that do not add beds or facilities over those for which the facility is licensed do not need to be submitted for drawing approval. However, the Health Facilities and Services Review Board requirements shall be met for all alterations and remodeling projects.
i) No system of water supply, plumbing, sewage, garbage or refuse disposal shall be installed, nor any existing system altered or extended until complete plans and specifications for the installation, alteration or extension have been submitted to the Department and have been reviewed and approved. The approval will be based upon compliance with Section 300.2820.
k) A facility shall be deemed in substantial compliance if all life and fire safety systems and features are installed and operating in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and all referenced standards in subsections 300.340(a)(1)(F) and (G). All areas shall be complete and ready for their intended use and shall not pose a fire or safety hazard for the intended occupants of the facility.