Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Space Planning Criteria 7610-308
Washington, DC 20420
September 2006
1
PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This document provides Space Planning Criteria for Chapter 308: Prosthetic and Sensory
Aids Service as it applies to all medical facilities at the Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA).
2
DEFINITIONS
A. Clinic Stop: A clinic stop is one encounter of a patient with a healthcare provider.
Per these criteria, the clinic stop is the workload unit of measure for space planning.
One individual patient can have multiple Clinic Stops in a single visit or in one day.
B. 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.
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. 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 Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service is
1.25.
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. Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service: A specialized program designed to provide
prosthetic / orthotic services to the disabled beneficiary. Prosthetic services are
distinguished as functions related to the replacement of missing parts of the body.
Orthotic services are characterized as functions that support existing parts of the
body. These services may include the procurement and fabrication of artificial limbs,
aids for the blind, hearing aids, upper and lower extremity orthotic devices,
wheelchairs, orthopedic shoes, plastic eyes, noses or major facial restorations,
eyeglasses, automotive adaptive equipment, and major life support systems such as
environmental controls and home dialysis units.
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