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Navigating HCAI Inspections: Top 5 Challenges and How to Overcome Them Healthcare construction projects are among the most highly regulated in the industry, and navigating the Health Care Access and Information (HCAI, formerly OSHPD) inspection process can feel daunting. But compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are the top five challenges teams face in HCAI inspections—and proven strategies to overcome them. Understanding and Meeting Prequalification Requirements: Before a project even breaks ground, general contractors must complete a rigorous prequalification process with HCAI. This ensures your team has the experience and expertise needed for healthcare facility construction. Missing or incomplete documentation can delay approvals and project start dates. How to Overcome It: Prepare early by gathering all required documentation and verifying your team’s credentials. Stay updated on HCAI’s evolving requirements and ensure your staff are trained in healthcare facility regulations. Navigating the Plan Review and Change Order Process: HCAI’s plan review is critical—any discrepancies or missing details can stall your project. Once construction is underway, any changes to the scope of work must be approved by HCAI before implementation. Unapproved changes can lead to costly delays or even project rejection. How to Overcome It: Work closely with experienced design professionals and maintain open communication with HCAI reviewers. For changes, submit detailed change orders promptly and wait for approval before proceeding. Managing Inspections and Quality Control HCAI inspections are continuous and thorough, ensuring every aspect of construction complies with approved plans and state regulations. Failed inspections can derail schedules, stack trades, and erode trust between teams and inspectors. How to Overcome It: Implement a robust quality control process. Have subcontractors and general contractors sign off on work before involving the Inspector of Record (IOR). Develop and use QC checklists, and encourage the IOR to flag potential issues early so they can be addressed before they result in failed inspections. Maintaining Accurate Recordkeeping Accurate and up-to-date records of all construction activities are essential. HCAI may request these at any time, and missing or incomplete records can result in fines or project delays. How to Overcome It: Establish a clear system for daily documentation and ensure all team members understand their recordkeeping responsibilities. Use digital tools to streamline and safeguard records for easy access and reporting. Ensuring Effective Communication and Collaboration Miscommunication between contractors, designers, inspectors, and HCAI representatives is a common cause of delays and compliance issues. Each stakeholder has overlapping responsibilities, and unresolved questions can quickly become on-site problems. How to Overcome It: Foster a culture of transparency and teamwork. Hold regular coordination meetings, respond promptly to Requests for Information (RFIs), and encourage open dialogue with the IOR and design team. Early identification and resolution of concerns keep projects on track and build confidence among all parties. Bonus Tip: Embrace Technology Modern digital tools and AI-powered platforms are transforming the inspection process by replacing manual, paper-based methods with mobile solutions. These tools help teams manage documentation, track inspection success rates, and prioritize high-risk areas, making compliance more efficient and less stressful. Compliance with HCAI doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By preparing thoroughly, maintaining strong communication, and leveraging technology, your team can navigate inspections smoothly and keep your project moving forward—safely and on schedule. Let’s make compliance simple, together! The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.