Section 1110.20  Classification of Projects

When an application for permit has been received by HFSRB, the Administrator shall classify the project into one of the following classifications:

a)         Emergency Review Classification

1)         An emergency review classification applies only to those construction or modification projects that affect the inpatient or outpatient operation of a health care facility and are necessary because one or more of the following conditions exist:

A)        An imminent threat to the structural integrity of the building;

B)        An imminent threat to the safe operation and functioning of the mechanical, electrical or comparable systems of the building; or

C)        Other hazardous conditions that may harm or injure persons using the facility. [20 ILCS 3960/12(9)]

2)         Applications classified as emergency will be reviewed for conformance with the following review criteria:

A)        Documentation has been provided that verifies the existence of at least one of the conditions specified in subsection (a)(1);

B)        Failure to proceed immediately with the project would result in closure or impairment of the inpatient operation of the facility; and

C)        The emergency conditions did not exist longer than 30 days prior to the receipt of the application for permit.

3)         Further details concerning the process for emergency applications are provided in 77 Ill. Adm. Code 1130.610.

b)         Non-Substantive Review Classification

Non-substantive projects are those construction or modification projects that are not classified as substantive or emergency.  Applications classified as non-substantive will be reviewed for conformance with the applicable review criteria in this Part.

c)         Substantive Review Classification

1)         Substantive projects shall include no more than the following:

A)        Projects to construct:

i)          A new or replacement facility located on a new site; or

ii)         A replacement facility located on the same site as the original facility and the cost of the replacement facility exceeds the capital expenditure minimum, which shall be reviewed by the Board within 120 days;

B)        Projects proposing:

i)          Establishment of a category of service within an existing health care facility; or

ii)         Discontinuation of a category of service within an existing healthcare facility or discontinuation of a health care facility.

C)        Projects that involve more than 20 beds, or  more than 10% of total bed capacity, as defined by HFSRB, whichever is less, over a 2-year period, and propose a change in the bed capacity of a health care facility by:

i)          An increase in the total number of beds;

ii)         A redistribution of beds among various categories of service; or

iii)        A relocation of beds from one physical facility or site to another. [20 ILCS 3960/12(8)]

2)         Applications classified as substantive will be reviewed for conformance with all applicable review criteria contained in this Part.

d)         Classification Appeal

Appeal of any classification may be made to HFSRB at the next scheduled meeting following the date of the Administrator's determination.