The landscape of healthcare facility design is continually reshaped by evolving codes and standards. The Lee Health Fort Myers Hospital, a large-scale project with a design phase spanning two code cycles, provides a unique case study on managing these changes. Project leaders will host a panel discussion on the topic at the Florida Plans & Construction Seminar.

The panel will delve into how recent and upcoming changes in the Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) guidelines, ASHRAE standards, and Florida Building Code (FBC) influenced, or could have influenced, the project's design. The session will explore both 2018–2022 code changes and 2022–2026 anticipated changes.

The panel will discuss the rationale behind adopting or foregoing specific code changes during the project, the impact of these decisions on design and operations, and strategies for integrating future code updates. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of navigating code evolution to enhance compliance, safety, and efficiency in healthcare facility design.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify key changes in the FGI guidelines from 2018 to 2022 and their implications on healthcare facility design.
• Analyze anticipated modifications in the 2022–2026 FGI Guidelines and predict their potential impact on projects similar to the Lee Health Fort Myers Hospital.
• Examine recent and upcoming ASHRAE standard updates affecting mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in healthcare facilities.
• Evaluate the timing and impact of FBC changes on healthcare facility design and construction, with a focus on adoption strategies and compliance.