What Is OSHPD? 

The OSHPD stands for "Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development," and it refers to the regulatory agency in California that monitors healthcare facilities such as hospital buildings, doctor’s offices, and the like. Not only is this group in charge of safety regulations for those facilities, but it is also useful in providing financial assistance to them, and it can help with the collection of healthcare data. All of these things contribute to a better experience for patients and a better outcome for the healthcare system in California as a whole. 

This organization prides itself on working to make California healthcare better in any way possible, but it is fair to say that some people get a little confused by some of the rules and regulations put out by OSHPD. 

What Are the Rules and Requirements of OSHPD?

The OSHPD has specific guidelines and requirements that it puts out that must be followed. The state government in California has provided the OSHPD with certain regulatory authorities that are not necessarily granted to other organizations. Thus, if you live in California, you need to understand that the OSHPD might have some say over how you run your facility. 

Compliance testing is the biggest responsibility of the OSHPD. They need to ensure that all healthcare facilities monitor how they do certain procedures. One way the agency can monitor this is by keeping tabs on the various safety measures it has put in place to keep people safe. 

Representatives from OSHPD may arrive at a healthcare facility at some point to do a safety inspection and ensure that the facility is up to code as far as following all relevant California safety regulations. If the agency detects a violation of its codes, then it may penalize the violator. 

Compliance Is Critical

Not only is it smart to comply with the regulations set out by OSHPD because you want to be in their good graces, but it is also a good idea because you don’t want to have to pay the penalties associated with not cooperating. Sadly, some facilities don’t comply on a routine basis. They may be fined, to begin with, but those penalties can escalate to more severe consequences if the violators do not take action to correct their behaviors. 

You should pay attention to the rule changes that come out of OSHPD from time to time. There could be compliance alterations that one needs to adhere to moving forward. If that is the case, then you should stay on top of it, so you are never caught off guard by these changes. 

What is the OSHPD and what is its purpose?

The OSHPD’s vision is based on “access to safe, quality healthcare environments that meet California’s dynamic and diverse needs.” This government organization is dedicated to providing safe and effective healthcare facilities through safety checks and guidelines, research and development and promoting a diverse, dynamic workforce throughout the system.

OSHPD describes itself as the center of a “community map.” The industries and individuals it works with form the next circle of the map, including data providers, healthcare providers, business support partners, public service partners, workforce developers and construction, finance and design professionals. The final outer circle of the community map is the residents of California, as the organization is working for their benefit.

When it comes to the construction industry, OSHPD primarily performs inspections. The organization and contractors work together to go over the construction plan, from seismic stability to the electrical system. Contractors schedule inspections with OSHPD as construction progresses, allowing the organization to keep a close eye on what’s happening.

How important is OSHPD? In short, it needs to approve every aspect of a facility’s construction—if you don’t perform construction to code and have the organization inspect it, the facility won’t be able to operate.

How Ham’s Electric, Inc. works with OSHPD

OSHPD has multiple core functions, including “monitoring the construction, renovation and seismic safety of hospitals and skilled nursing facilities and providing loan insurance to assist the capital needs of California’s not-for-profit healthcare facilities.” Ham’s Electric, Inc. works alongside OSHPD to help ensure safe electrical systems for healthcare facilities.

For example, OSHPD puts out guidelines to ensure the safety of our healthcare buildings, like this updated Electrical Load Capacity Verification Guideline. Initially put out in 1993, it requires that electrical engineers submit load capacity verifications for all healthcare buildings. This is designed to ensure electrical systems can adequately handle the needs of patients, providers and their equipment.

Specifically, electrical engineers are required to test the systems and provide data to OSHPD for approval. For example, the Electrical Load Capacity guidelines state that “the recordings under these options shall be performed under the supervision of an electrical engineer, who shall ensure that the timing, duration and sampling rate of the recordings result in a demand that reflects the true maximum for the service/feeder.”

Now that you understand who OSHPD is, be sure to call Ham’s Electric, Inc. in Upland, CA the next time you need to ensure your electrical systems are installed to code.