Understanding the Proposed Changes to FGI Guidelines for 2026
By Jessica Detweiler, AIA, ACHA, NCARB
September 5, 2024Explore by Topic
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The primary goal of any healthcare facility design project is to create a space that is functional for its daily users, whether they are employees, patients, or visitors. While aesthetic appeal is important, healthcare projects demand special attention to compliance with applicable codes, standards, and best practices. Nearly all states have adopted some version of the Facility Guidelines Institute’s (FGI) Guidelines for Design and Construction. These guidelines are crucial for maintaining quality and safety in healthcare environments. The FGI standards are updated every four years, and the next updates are slated for 2026. Recently, FGI released anticipated changes to the guidelines, inviting healthcare professionals to download, review, and comment on these proposed changes by September 30, 2024. |
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Ready AccessCurrently, access to the FGI guidelines requires a subscription. However, it’s expected that the 2026 guidelines will be accessible digitally to anyone without a subscription. This shift aims to make these critical guidelines more readily available to healthcare professionals, facility managers, and building designers, thereby promoting broader compliance and understanding. |
Key Potential ChangesName ChangeOne of the most notable changes is the rebranding of the guidelines. The 2026 edition will be known as the FGI Facility Code, highlighting that these are minimum codes to meet rather than just guidelines. This change underscores the importance of adhering to these standards as foundational requirements for healthcare facility design. Clarifying RequirementsIn this update, FGI aims to address gaps in the current guidelines. The appendices that are currently part of the code requirement pages will be removed and made into separate books. This should help clarify the differing requirements for hospitals, outpatient facilities, and residential care and support settings. By separating these appendices, FGI hopes to provide more precise and targeted guidance for each type of facility. |
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Enhancing Clarity and AccuracyOther proposed changes focus on improving clarity, reducing redundancy, and ensuring accuracy to support quality facility design. These updates are essential for maintaining current standards and supporting the evolving needs of healthcare environments. A detailed list of proposed revisions is available on FGI’s website. Provide InputFGI highly values the input of healthcare professionals, facility managers, and building designers in shaping these guidelines. If you would like to weigh in on any of the proposed changes, you can submit your comments to FGI by September 30, 2024. Your feedback is crucial in ensuring that the guidelines are both practical and comprehensive. |
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The final 2026 FGI Facility Codes are expected to be released in late 2025 or early 2026. These updates are set to make significant improvements in how healthcare facilities are designed and maintained, ultimately enhancing the safety and efficiency of these environments. |
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