Operating Rationale and Basis of Criteria

Department of Veterans Affairs

VA Space Planning Criteria (Chapter 406)

Washington, DC 20420

February 2007

Workload: Workload is the anticipated number of procedures or suite stops that is

processed through a department/service area. The total workload applied to

departmental operational assumptions will determine overall room requirements by

modality.

OPERATING RATIONALE AND BASIS OF CRITERIA

J. Workload Projections or planned services / modalities for a specific VA medical

center, hospital or satellite outpatient clinic project are provided by the VA Central

Office (VACO) / VISN CARES Capacity Projection Model. The workload projections

are generated by methodology based upon the expected veteran population in the

respective market / service area. Healthcare planners working on VA medical center,

hospital or satellite outpatient clinic projects will utilize and apply the workload based

criteria set forth herein for identified services and modalities to determine room

requirements for each facility.

K. Space planning criteria have been developed on the basis of an understanding of the

activities involved in the functional areas of Environmental Management Service

Administration and its relationship with other services of a medical facility. These

criteria are predicated on established and/or anticipated best practice standards, as

adapted to provide environments supporting the highest quality heath care for

Veterans.

L. These criteria are subject to modification relative to development in the equipment,

medical practice, vendor requirements, and subsequent planning and design. The

selection of the size and type of Environmental Management Service Administration

equipment is determined by VACO and upon Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

anticipated medical needs.

M. These criteria are based on the net square footage in each facility requiring daily

housekeeping.

N. Space planning is based on the number of FTE's required to perform daily cleaning

activities. Assume that an FTE can clean approximately 14,000 NSF per shift.

O. Support space requirements are based on supplies and the number and types of

equipment to be stored.

PROGRAM DATA REQUIRED (Input Data Questions)

A. Mission Input Data Statement

1. Is an Assistant Chief authorized? (M)

2. How many patient beds are projected? (M)

B. Staffing Input Data Statements

1. How many Clerical FTE positions are authorized? (S)

2. How many Supervisor and Clerical / Technical Administrative FTE positions are

authorized? (S)

C. Miscellaneous Input Data Statements

1. What is the total square footage of the facility? (M)

EMS Administration (Chapter 406): Page 3 of 7