The COVID-19 pandemic has turned many things upside down for healthcare facilities, and compliance with regulations and standards is one such issue. While compliance remains a high priority, the immediacy of creating healthy environments that can handle waves of COVID-19 cases remains the top priority for many facility managers — at least in the short term. The pandemic has changed not only the way many facilities approach compliance. It also has changed the way many view them — literally.

For decades, hospitals and other health care organizations have come to expect up-close and in-person scrutiny from inspectors and surveyors who make on-site visits. Then the coronavirus happened, bringing crucial social distancing rules and special precautions.

Fortunately, technology is making a tough challenge possible, according to Health Facilities Management. Case in point: remote virtual inspections (RVIs) and surveys that can be performed with greater efficiency and success thanks to the accessibility of intelligent hardware and software.

These capabilities have made a big difference, especially for facilities pursuing new construction, remodeling, change of use or changes to the physical environment that need to pass muster with National Fire Protection Association and International Code Council codes and requirements.

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