D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 22, r. 22-B2036
Hospitals shall have building systems that are designed, installed and operated in such a manner as to provide for the safety, comfort, and well being of the patient.
Water and Sewer Systems: The hospital shall have and maintain an accessible, adequate, safe and potable supply of water. Where an authorized public water supply of satisfactory quantity, quality, and pressure is available, the hospital shall be connected to it and its supply used exclusively.
The collection, treatment, storage, and distribution potable water system of a hospital shall be constructed, maintained, and operated in accordance with all provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act, approved December 16, 1974 (88 Stat. 1660; 42 U.S.C.S. §§ 300 f et seq.).
The water distribution system shall be protected with anti-siphon devices, and air-gaps to prevent potable water system and equipment contamination.
Continuously circulated filtered and treated water systems shall be provided as required for the care and treatment equipment used in the hospital.
The hospital shall maintain a sanitary and functioning sewage system.
Hot Water System: The hot water system shall have the capacity to provide continuous hot water at temperatures as required by these regulations.
Heating and Cooling Systems: The hospital shall provide a heating and air conditioning system for the comfort of the patient and capable of maintaining the temperature in patient care and treatment areas as follows:
In existing and new facilities the systems shall be capable of producing a temperature of at least seventy degrees Fahrenheit (70°F) during heating conditions and a temperature that does not exceed eighty-five degrees Fahrenheit (85°F) during cooling conditions.
In new construction the systems shall be capable of producing a temperature of at least seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit (75°F) during heating conditions and a temperature that does not exceed eighty degrees Fahrenheit (80°F) during cooling conditions.
In new construction and new facilities, central air distribution and return systems shall have the following percent dust spot rated filters:
Surgical areas shall have heating and cooling systems that are capable of producing room temperatures at a range between sixty-eight (68°F) and seventy-three degrees Fahrenheit (73°F) and humidity at a range between thirty (30) and sixty percent (60%) relative humidity.
Airflow shall move from clean to soiled locations. In new construction, air movement shall be designed to reduce the potential of contamination of clean areas.
Floors in operating rooms, procedure rooms and other locations subject to wet cleaning methods or body fluids shall not have openings to the heating and cooling system.
Ventilation System: All hospitals shall provide exhaust and clean air to prevent the concentrations of contaminants which impair health or cause discomfort to patients and employees.
Electrical System: The hospital shall have an electrical system that has sufficient capacity to maintain the care and treatment services that are provided and that properly grounds care and treatment areas.
Essential Power System: Facilities shall have an emergency power generator for all care and treatment locations which involve general anesthetics or electrical life support equipment, and in emergency procedure and treatment rooms.
Call Systems: Call systems shall be operable from patient beds (except at psychiatric or mental hospital beds), procedure and operating rooms, and recovery bed and toilet locations. The system shall transmit a receivable (visual, audible, tactile, or other) signal to on-duty staff which readily notifies and directs the staff to the location where the call was activated.
In addition:
Medical Gas System: The hospital shall safely provide medical gas and vacuum by means of portable equipment or building systems as required by patient receiving care and treatment. In addition:
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 22, r. 22-B2036