By Gary Brett and Damian Gutierrez
California’s SB 1953, also known as the Hospital Seismic Retrofit Program, mandates that hospitals upgrade their facilities to withstand seismic events and remain operational after earthquakes. All hospitals are required to meet stringent safety standards, including structural and non-structural enhancements. This may involve retrofitting existing structures, replacing facilities, or, in extreme cases, closing non-compliant hospitals. While the original deadline was earlier, several extensions have been granted, pushing the final compliance date to 2030.
Seismic upgrades present complex challenges that require precise planning and execution to meet California’s stringent safety standards while minimizing operational disruptions and safeguarding long-term patient care.
Strategic Cost Management
Detailed, data-driven estimates are crucial for tailoring upgrades to each facility’s Seismic Performance Category (SPC) rating. From analyzing the specific reinforcements needed for beams, columns, and foundations to addressing the complexities of retrofitting active hospital environments, effective cost management ensures financial clarity and reduces risks. These solutions should balance initial construction expenses with long-term operational savings to help decision-makers achieve viable outcomes.
Minimizing Operational Interruptions
Hospitals must remain operational throughout seismic upgrades. Strategic phasing and innovative scheduling can ensure construction activities do not disrupt critical medical services. Close coordination with hospital staff and advanced construction techniques help maintain high standards of patient care while executing projects efficiently.
Collaborative Structural Solutions
Collaboration plays a pivotal role in seismic upgrade projects. Working closely with architectural, engineering, and design teams enables the evaluation of multiple solutions and the selection of the most effective approach. This collaborative methodology ensures that each solution optimizes structural integrity, cost efficiency, and compliance with SB 1953.
Ensuring Regulatory Compliance and Safety
Navigating California’s rigorous seismic regulations is vital to achieving compliance. All upgrades must meet or exceed required standards to prioritize the safety of patients, staff, and visitors. A thorough understanding of the regulatory landscape helps prevent costly delays, maintain project timelines, and ensure compliance seamlessly.
Seismic upgrades present unique challenges, but with meticulous planning, innovative solutions, and disciplined cost management, resilient and cost-effective projects can protect operations and enhance patient care. At Cumming Group, we play a crucial role in helping hospitals navigate these complex requirements, ensuring California’s hospitals are prepared for the future.
About the Authors
Gary Brett
Gary is a Vice President at Cumming Group with over 30 years of construction industry experience, specializing in healthcare cost management. He is an expert in HCAI requirements and excels at developing accurate budgets from early programming through project completion. His skills include detailed quantity take-offs, value engineering, cost verification, and ensuring design objectives align with financial goals.
Damian Gutierrez
As a Senior Cost Manager at Cumming Group, Damian helps lead the Healthcare Cost Management service line for the Southwest region. With extensive experience in healthcare projects, he specializes in guiding cost teams through milestone estimating, estimate reconciliation, value engineering analysis, change order evaluation, and cost management reporting.