FGI seeking comments on Facility Code for Hospitals draft
Share your facilities management insight by Sept. 30
The Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) has issued a call for public comments on the draft of the 2026 FGI Facility Code for Hospitals, FGI Facility Code for Outpatient Settings, and FGI Facility Code for Residential Care and Support Settings. Comments will be accepted through Sept. 30. Submitted comments will be visible to the public and members of the Health Guidelines Revision Committee (HGRC).
FGI documents have been adopted by the vast majority of states to serve as the minimum design criteria for health and residential care facilities. ASHE encourages its members to contribute feedback to ensure a range of perspectives are considered, including the voices of those who maintain and operate these facilities.
Major 2026 Hospital Changes Included in the Draft
New to the 2026 editions, the documents published by the Facility Guidelines Institute will no longer be called the FGI Guidelines for Design and Construction, and instead will be called the FGI Facility Code. This change reflects the revised document structure. The FGI Facility Code will consist of only mandatory code language; any appendix material that previously was included in the Guidelines to provide clarity and best practice will now be included in a new handbook currently under development for each FGI Facility Code. FGI intends to make a version of the FGI Facility Code available for no charge to the public. An enhanced license with new tools and features will be available for purchase, as will the handbooks.
ASHE Regulatory Affairs staff have identified key changes in the draft likely to affect ASHE members. These changes include:
- 1.2-2.1.3.3 Determining Clinical Room Need
- 1.2-4.9.2 Disaster, Emergency, and Vulnerability Design Features
- 1.3-3.5 Emergency Access
- 2.1-6.3.4 Discharged Patient Waiting Facilities
- 2.1-6.3.6 Incident Command Center
- 2.1-7.2.3 Surfaces
- 2.1-8.3.4 Lighting
- 2.1-8.3.5 Electrically Powered Equipment
- 2.1-8.4 Plumbing Systems
- 2.2-2.17 Behavioral and Mental Health Medical Complexity Patient Care Unit
- 2.6-2.2.2.6 Rehab Hospitals Patient Toilet Room Space Requirements and Clearances
- 2.6-2.3.1 Rehab Hospitals Dining, Recreation, and Social Spaces
- 2.6-3.1.1.3 Rehab Hospital Ambulance Entrance
- 2.7 Specific Requirements for Mobile Units
To submit comments, log in at www.fgiguidelines.net and select “Submit Comment.” Please provide reasons for your feedback. Note that only comments on the draft are being accepted. Any new proposals will need to be submitted during the next revision cycle.