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LEMA’s Process for Healthcare Construction including AHCA and ICRA.

LEMA Construction understand the demands of today’s healthcare industry —and we know how to build for them. Given the widespread changes in healthcare construction, the approach to planning a successful project has changed — whether a new hospital, facility renovation or clinic construction. A strong, modern approach to healthcare construction includes several key elements.

Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)
Prior to work beginning in any space, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) will be notified in writing to The Office of Plans and Construction, with the State of Florida Plan Review Application completed by LEMA Construction. The purpose of this application is to initiate project review. If it’s a new facility a New Facility Form will be completed, an application for cursory review may be requested to determine if proposed construction work or a change in function of a space will require submission or construction documents to the agency’s office of plans and construction for approval.

LEMA will ensure all the documentation is completed throughout the construction process using AHCA’s resources; ahca.myflorida.com/MCHQ/Plans/Forms_Rules_Presentations.shtml. At the same time LEMA will be working with the medical facility to acquire accurate asbestos, lead paint or other hazardous material reports related to the area. This process will allow early generation of any necessary Requests For Information (RFIs) or changes and will assist in maintaining schedule.

Interim Life Safety Plan (ILSP)
An interim life safety plan (ILSP) will be developed that meets the needs of the facility. During any construction, the approved ILSP will be posted in a conspicuous place. It provides information regarding:
• Emergency egress
• Designated area for safe assembly
• Existing/future wall ratings
• Temporary partition locations/ratings
• The project area, its entrances, the surrounding area, and pathways to temporary essential services.

Understanding the Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) requirements and ensuring they are met.
Prior to construction, LEMA Construction will request an infection control meeting with the facility as well as a thorough review of the risk assessment procedures. This meeting covers the following:
• Project scope of work
• Air monitoring requirements
• Duration of the project
• Pressure monitoring requirements
• Location of the construction project
• Containment and transport of construction waste
• Identification of any associated work outside the construction area
• Standard cleanup procedures (wet mop, HEPA-vacuum, disinfectant)
• Project phasing
• Employment of tear away adhesive dust control mats at entrances/exits
• Locations and types of proposed barriers and barricades
• Isolation and protection of existing HVAC systems
• Ante room layout (if required)
• Maintaining negative pressure (no less than –0.01 in. wc/–2.5 Pa) through usage of  HEPA-rated filtration devices and to be monitored continuously by the contractor via alarmed differential-pressure monitoring equipment
• Proposed air filtration plan and procedure
• Requirement of disposable coveralls
• Personal protection equipment
• Barrier deconstruction
• Movement through or around sterile corridors
• Final cleaning procedures
• Daily Documentation

LEMA Construction will comply with the facility’s risk management procedures, taking into consideration, items such as noise/monitoring, vibration/monitoring, scheduling, proximity of construction to patient areas, temporary partitions/walls, etc. A site logistics plan is then produced and approved by the facility.

Assisted Living Facility

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