FGI process begins for 2022 Guidelines

In preparation for the next edition of the Guidelines for Design and Construction documents, the Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) on Nov. 1, 2018, opened the public proposal period for the 2022 Guidelines for health and residential care facilities with the launch of a new online proposal platform.

FGI introduced the new Outpatient Guidelines and its Beyond Fundamentals resource library in 2018. We are considering the 2022 revision cycle as an opportunity to both build on our Beyond Fundamentals offerings and fine-tune the fundamental Guidelines requirements. Therefore, the new proposal platform can collect suggestions for changes to baseline text as well as for the development of materials on operational and best-practice recommendations.

During each revision cycle, members of the volunteer Health Guidelines Revision Committee and additional subject matter experts conduct a deep dive on topic areas in the FGI documents to ensure they remain current. Topics to be explored for the 2022 edition include acoustics and vibration; behavioral health; behavioral health in the emergency department; emergency preparedness, resiliency and business continuity; geriatrics; infection prevention and control; lighting; electrical receptacles, nurse call devices and med-gas outlets; palliative design; pediatrics; rural health; and technology. Guidelines users who would like to participate in these groups may send a resume to FGI at heather@fgiguidelines.org.

Public participation in the Guidelines revision process is vitally important. The first opportunity is during the proposal period, which will remain open through June 30. During this time, any change to the text can be recommended. The second opportunity follows the release of the draft 2022 documents in 2020, when the public may comment on the new language.

As you use the 2018 edition of the Guidelines, we invite you to note requirements you believe are no longer appropriate and submit proposals for change.

David B. Uhaze, RA, principal of Health Facilities Design Consulting, Trenton, N.J., and chair of the 2022 Health Guidelines Revision Committee