Department Of Veterans Affairs
VA Space Planning Criteria (Chapter 110)
Washington, DC 20420
December 2006
1
PURPOSE AND SCOPE
A. This document outlines space planning criteria for Chapter 110: Mental Health and
Behavioral Patient Care Units. It applies to all medical facilities at the Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA).
B. A Mental Health and Behavioral Patient Care Unit is an inpatient mental health program
that provides inpatient accommodations, delivery of health care, direct supportive
facilities, and institutional services. Mental Health programs include Psychiatric,
Substance Abuse, Drug Abuse, and Alcohol Dependency treatment.
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DEFINITIONS
A. Concept of Operations: A user-developed guide to the functional operation of the VA
healthcare facility. It defines the function of the facility and the scope of medical services
to be provided in the new or remodeled space.
B. Departmental Conversion Factor: A parameter, determined by the VA for each 7610
chapter, used to convert the programmed Net Square Foot (NSF) area to the
Department Gross Square Foot (DGSF) area. The Departmental Conversion Factor for
this chapter is 1.65.
C. Full-Time Equivalent (FTE): A staffing parameter equal to the amount of time assigned
to one full time employee. It may be composed of several part-time employees whose
total time commitment equals that of a full-time employee. One FTE equals a 40 hours
per week.
D. Functional Area: The grouping of rooms and spaces based on their function within a
clinical service. Typical Functional Areas are Reception Areas, Patient Areas, Support
Areas, Staff and Administrative Areas, and Residency Program.
E. Input Data Statements: A set of questions designed to elicit information about the
healthcare project in order to create a Program for Design (PFD) based on the criteria
parameters set forth in this document. Input Data Statements could be Mission related,
based in the project's Concept of Operations; and Workload or Staffing related, based
on projections and data provided by the VHA or the VISN about the estimated model of
operation for the facility. This information is processed through mathematical and logical
operations in VA-SEPS.
F. Isolation / Restraint: A method of involuntary restriction, chemical or physical, of an
individual's freedom of movement, physical activity, or normal access to his /her body.
G. Isolation / Seclusion: A short-term occupancy by any patient observed to be violent,
suicidal or requiring additional direct supervision. The involuntary confinement of a
person in a locked room (JCAHO, 2000).
H. Isolation / Seclusion Suite: Includes a seclusion room, seclusion anteroom for nurse
observation and charting, and a seclusion toilet. The suite should be designed to keep
Mental Health and Behavioral Patient Care Units (Chapter 110): Page 110-2 of 13
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