In 2011, the Code Council Board of Directors created an ad hoc committee to comprehensively review and update provisions in the International Codes relative to both new and existing hospitals and ambulatory care facilities. The ICC Ad Hoc Committee on Healthcare (AHC) was formed in cooperation with the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE). The committee's objective is to develop code change proposals to the International Codes which will result in the most contemporary, effective and efficient provisions for hospital and ambulatory care facilities to assure the highest level of safety for all users of such facilities.

After 10 meetings and numerous conference calls, the committee has developed, reviewed or commented on more than 180 proposed changes to the I-Codes:

• Developed 36 proposed changes to the Group A codes, of which 26 were approved.
• Developed 40 proposed changes to the Group B codes, of which 35 were recommended during the 2013 Committee Action Hearings in Dallas.
• Reviewed another 140 proposed changes to the I-Codes.
• Assisted in the approval of 12 proposed changes and the disapproval of 14 proposed changes.

The AHC has created Work Groups to assist in the development of code change proposals. The Work Groups are responsible for the development of draft language for consideration and final approval by the AHC. The Work Groups are Egress, Fire/Fire Safety, General and Occupancy. For more information, click here.

The AHC will hold its next meeting Sept. 23-24 in Schiller Park, Ill., to review public comments on the Group B I-Codes and to prepare for the Public Comment Hearings in Atlantic City, N.J. Committee members also will develop Group C proposed changes to the International Green Construction Code if any are necessary. Read the meeting notice.