Section 1110.120  Project Scope and Size, Utilization and Unfinished/Shell Space − Review Criteria

a)         Size of Project – Review Criteria

1)         The applicant shall document that the physical space proposed for the project is necessary and appropriate.  The proposed square footage cannot deviate from the square footage range indicated in Appendix B, or exceed the square footage standard in Appendix B if the standard is a single number, unless square footage can be justified by documenting, as described in subsection (a)(2).

2)         If the project square footage is outside the standards in Appendix B, the applicant shall submit architectural floor plans (see HFSRB NOTE) of the project identifying all clinical service areas and those clinical service areas or components of those areas that do not conform to the standards. The applicant shall submit documentation of one or more of the following:

A)        The proposed space is appropriate and neither excessive nor deficient in relation to the scope of services provided, as justified by clinical or operational needs; supported by published data or studies, as available; and certified by the facility's Medical Director; or

B)        The existing facility's physical configuration has constraints that require an architectural design that exceeds the standards of Appendix B, as documented by architectural drawings delineating the constraints or impediments, in accordance with this subsection (a); or

C)        Additional space is mandated by governmental or certification agency requirements that were not in existence when the Appendix B standards were adopted; or

D)        The project involves the conversion of existing space that results in excess square footage.

HFSRB NOTE: Architectural floor plans submitted shall identify clinical service areas or components and shall designate the areas in square footage. Architectural floor plans must be of sufficient accuracy and format to allow measurement. Format may be either a digital drawing format (.dwg file or equivalent) or a measurable paper copy 1/16 scale or larger.

b)         Project Services Utilization − Review Criterion

The applicant shall document that, by the end of the second year of operation, the annual utilization of the clinical service areas or equipment shall meet or exceed the utilization standards specified in Appendix B. The number of years projected shall not exceed the number of historical years documented.  If the applicant does not meet the utilization standards in Appendix B, or if service areas do not have utilization standards in 77 Ill. Adm. Code 1100,  the applicant shall justify its own utilization standard by providing published data or studies, as applicable and available from a recognized source, that minimally include the following:

1)         Clinical encounter times for anticipated procedures in key rooms (for example, procedure room, examination room, imaging room);

2)         Preparation and clean-up times, as appropriate;

3)         Operational availability (days/year and hours/day, for example 250 days/year and 8 hours/day); and

4)         Other operational factors.

c)         Size of the Project and Utilization:

For clinical service areas for which norms are not listed in Appendix B (for example, central sterile supply, laboratory, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, speech pathology and audiology), the applicant shall document that the proposed departmental gross square footage is necessary and appropriate. The documentation shall consist of:

1)         Basis for the determination of the space (for example, key rooms, equipment, personnel, utilization, etc.); and

2)         Methodology applied.

d)         Unfinished or Shell Space − Review Criterion

If the project includes unfinished space (i.e., shell space) that is to meet an anticipated future demand for service, the applicant shall document that the amount of shell space proposed for each department or clinical service area is justified, and that the space will be consistent with the standards of Appendix B as stated in subsections (a) and (b).  The applicant shall provide the following information:

1)         The total gross square footage of the proposed shell space;

2)         The anticipated use of the shell space, specifying the proposed SF to be allocated to each department, area or function;

3)         Evidence that the shell space is being constructed due to:

A)        Requirements of governmental or certification agencies; or

B)        Experienced increases in the historical occupancy or utilization of those departments, areas or functions proposed to occupy the shell space.  The applicant shall provide the historical utilization for the department, area or function for the latest 5-year period for which data are available, and, based upon the average annual percentage increase for that period, project the future utilization of the department, area or function through the anticipated date when the shell space will be placed into operation.

e)         Assurances

The applicant shall submit the following:

1)         The applicant representative who signs the CON application shall submit a signed and dated statement attesting to the applicant's understanding that, by the end of the second year of operation after project completion, the applicant will meet or exceed the utilization standards specified in Appendix B.

2)         For shell space, the applicant shall submit the following:

A)        Verification that the applicant will submit to HFSRB a CON application to develop and utilize the shell space, regardless of the capital thresholds in effect at that time or the categories of service involved;

B)        The anticipated date by which the subsequent CON application (to develop and utilize the subject shell space) will be submitted; and

C)        The estimated date when the shell space will be completed and placed into operation.