6 Key Building Attributes for Psychiatric Hospitals and Treatment Facilities
Behavioral health care facilities are among the most regulated of building types, according to the Whole Building Design Guide, a program of the National Institute of Building Sciences. In addition to state and local building codes, behavioral health facilities that treat Medicare patients must also meet federal standards. To be accredited, facilities are required to meet the standards of several national agencies such as the JCAHO, and the NFPA; comply with congressional mandates such as the ADA (as well as other accessibility guidelines), and HIPPA, as well as volumes of other guidelines and standards covering operations, maintenance, air quality, and more.
Another set of healthcare building attributes that are not regulated, but are of great consequence to the building’s owners, the staff that works there, and the patients in treatment deal with the economic realities of construction, programming considerations, and patient welfare. The Whole Building Design Guide for psychiatric facilities identifies the 6 key building attributes as follows:
Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness
Therapeutic Environment
Cleanliness
Aesthetics
Security and Safety
Sustainability
Key Building Attributes Found in Norix Furniture
Norix intensive use furniture provides those same attributes throughout its line of behavioral healthcare furnishings. Designed for challenging environments, Norix furniture consistently surpasses industry standards for strength, safety, and performance, providing long-term durability and cost-effectiveness.
The Attenda Collection is designed to provide the cleanability required for the daily rigors of institutional living. The sleek, molded pieces are impervious to fluids, featuring seamless construction with rounded corners for added safety. Available in 8 decorator colors, Attenda helps create a warmer, safer environment for patients and staff.
Sierra Series complete line of lounge seating offers the therapeutic appearance of natural wood with cushioned seats and backs. The steel framework inside provides superior strength and a secure means of connecting pieces together. The line includes several chairs and sofas in multiple
configurations, and matching oak butcher-block coffee tables and end tables.
The Madera table styles are constructed with “green” materials with low VOC’s and feature durable edges and a wood-grained texture to enhance a residential look.
These, as all of the Norix behavioral healthcare furnishings are designed after consultation with field-experienced practitioners who are well versed in safety requirements of both patients and staff. Read the rest of the article.
Please be sure to share this blog with others who are interested in behavioral health facility design of psychiatric hospitals and treatment centers. Let us know what other key building attributes you feel should be part of facility design in the comment box below.