Department Of Veterans Affairs
VA Space Planning Criteria (Chapter 300)
Washington, DC 20420
November 2006
1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE
A. This document outlines space planning criteria for VA Handbook 7610 Chapter 300:
Day Hospital. It applies to all medical facilities at the Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA).
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. Day Room: Dedicated space in a nursing unit for patients to engage in social and
therapeutic activities.
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 Statement: 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. Net-to-department gross factor (NTDG): This number, when multiplied by the
programmed Net Square Foot (NSF) area, determines the Departmental Gross
Square Feet (DGSF). The NTDG factor adopted for Day Hospital is 1.45.
G. Program for Design (PFD): A space program based on criteria set forth in this
document and specific information about Concept of Operations, Workload
projections and Staffing levels authorized.
H. Provider: A medical professional, who examines, diagnoses, treats, prescribes
medication and manages the care of the patients within his or her scope of practice
as established by the governing body of a healthcare organization.
I.
Psychiatrist: A professional that is licensed as a medical doctor (MD), and can
prescribe medications.
J. Psychologist: A professional specializing in diagnosing and treating diseases of the
brain, emotional disturbance, and behavioral problems. Psychologists can only use
talk therapy as treatment; and are not licensed to prescribe medication.
Day Hospital (Chapter 300): Page 300-2 of 9
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