On March 4, 2025, I attended an HCAI webinar that provided some important updates on seismic compliance deadlines. If your hospital is working toward meeting the 2030 seismic safety requirements, there’s some big news you should know about.
What’s Changing?
HCAI has released PIN 80, which lays out the requirements for the Seismic Compliance Plan (SCP). Hospitals now have until January 1, 2026 (July 1, 2024, previously), to submit their SCP, outlining how they plan to achieve compliance by 2030.
AB 869 – Extensions for Hospitals That Need More Time
Recognizing that some hospitals are struggling with financial and logistical hurdles, AB 869 introduces potential extensions beyond 2030. Here’s what that means:
Hospitals can request a final compliance date between January 1, 2030, and January 1, 2033, as part of their SCP.
The deadline to request this extension is January 1, 2026.
Additional 2-Year Delay (Up to January 1, 2035)
For hospitals facing significant challenges, HCAI may grant another two-year extension under certain conditions, such as: ✅ Financial distress ✅ Supply chain issues (contractors, labor, materials) ✅ Natural disasters (wildfires, earthquakes, severe weather) ✅ Government approval delays ✅ Other unavoidable circumstances
Hospitals needing this extra time must apply after January 1, 2030, and provide supporting documentation.
Who’s in the Clear?
If your facility is already compliant by 2030 (with SPC 3/4/4D/5 and NPC 5 ratings), you don’t need to submit a compliance plan. This was a super informative session, and it’s clear that HCAI is trying to provide flexibility while still pushing hospitals to meet seismic safety standards. If you have any questions or need help navigating these changes, contact Jorge Navarro at Hilliard Architects at[email protected]or call415-989-3979.
Hilliard Architects is a small technical architecture firm specializing in laboratory and healthcare renovations and access compliance (ADA).
