Department Of Veterans Affairs
VA Space Planning Criteria (Chapter 285)
Washington, D.C. 20402
February 2007
1
PURPOSE AND SCOPE
A. This document outlines Space Planning Criteria for Chapter 285: Supply Processing
and Distribution. It applies to all medical facilities at the Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA).
B. Supply, Processing and Distribution is responsible for:
1. Processing and issuing of:
a. Medical/Surgical supplies, reprocessed items and one use items (commonly
called disposable).
b. Equipment used in delivery of patient care.
2. Distribution.
a. Vertical and horizontal distribution of SPD products to points of use or terminal
points by acceptable modes of conveyance, ranging from manual through fully
automated systems.
3. Storage of Medical/Surgical (M/S) supplies and equipment.
a. Storage and maintenance of a defined level of M/S supplies and equipment at
the points of use and in SPD.
4. The collection of unused (expired) M/S supplies, used M/S supplies and
equipment is the responsibility of SPD. These items are returned to SPD for
reprocessing or disposal. However, the disposal of pathological wastes and
removal of soiled linen is the responsibility of Environmental Management
Service.
2
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 Net to Gross (DNTG) Conversion Factor: A parameter, determined by
the VA for each space planning criteria chapter, used to convert the programmed Net
Square Foot (NSF) area to the Department Gross Square Foot (DGSF) area. The
DNTG Departmental Conversion Factor for SPD is 1.30.
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, Residency and / or Externship Program Areas.
Supply Processing and Distribution (Chapter 285): Page: 2 of 10
Previous Page
