SEISMIC STANDARDS: Davis Signs Bill Streamlining Hospital Regs
Gov. Gray Davis last week signed into law a bill to streamline hospital safety regulations, the AP/Capitol Alert reports. The bill, authored by Assemblyman Martin Gallegos (D- Montebello), "shortens the time for hospitals to respond to state requirements and for the state to issue standards." It also relaxes mandates that have been deemed unnecessary or too burdensome by the Statewide Office of Health Planning and Development (8/2). AB 263 mandates that until January 1, 2001, all regulatory submissions to the California Building Standards Commission relating to seismic safety in hospitals and hospital owner responsibilities be deemed emergency regulations and adopted as such. The statute will take effect immediately (bill text). Hospitals must still submit plans for compliance with seismic safety standards by Jan. 1, 2001, and must meet basic seismic safety requirements by 2008 (AP/Capitol Alert, 8/2).
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