PIN 74 Skilled Nursing Facility Alternate Power Source Ordinance
May 18, 2023
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What you need to know about California’s new requirements.
What are the new ‘PIN 74’ Skilled Nursing Facility Alternate Power Source requirements?
The State of California has introduced new requirements for Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs). Previously, Skilled Nursing Facilities were required to provide six hours of on-site fuel storage for emergency generators serving Essential Electrical Systems. However, Assembly Bill 2511 (Chapter 788, Statutes of 2022) and HCAi’s Policy Intent Notice (PIN) 74 have increased the minimum run-time requirements to 96 hours for Essential Electrical Systems, and have added a new requirement for 96 hours of emergency backup power for HVAC cooling systems that serve resident care areas.
What are Essential Electrical Systems?
The Essential Electrical System consists of three branches of power (life safety, critical , and equipment) that service crucial power in healthcare facilities. The primary objective is to maintain power to life-saving equipment and systems in Skilled Nursing Facilities. Examples include building emergency lighting, building fire alarm systems, HVAC heating equipment, patient ventilators, intravenous therapy equipment, feeding pumps, IV pumps, nebulizer machines, suction equipment, and medication dispensing equipment. PIN-74 adds HVAC cooling systems to the list of systems requiring emergency power.
How do the new requirements impact SNF owners?
Starting from January 1, 2024, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) will enforce PIN 74, irrespective of the age of the building. This means that all Skilled Nursing Facilities must upgrade their alternative power sources to meet the 96-hour requirement. Additionally, they must provide emergency power for cooling systems by the January 1, 2024 deadline. This will entail changes to the Building’s Emergency Power Generator and fuel system, Electrical distribution system, and Building HVAC requirements. Skilled Nursing Facilities will need to enlist Architectural and Engineering services to develop a facility plan to implement the changes.
What are the next steps?
To ensure compliance with California’s new requirements, Skilled Nursing Facility owners and managers are encouraged to take immediate action. Coffman Engineers is a full-service design engineering firm offering services throughout the State of California. We specialize in the healthcare industry and in the design of emergency power systems. We have successful partnerships with vendors and contractors to address the challenges of HCAi compliance in existing facilities. The first step is to assess your needs. Contact us today to discuss the best solution for your facility.
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