Modern California hospital exterior with seismically rated structural columns

HCAI/OSHPD & IBC Seismic Certifications

OSP Special Seismic Pre-approval and OPM Pre-approval of Manufacturer for hospital and IBC-mandated equipment — full submittals, stamped reports, and shake table testing.

What does OSHPD mean?

OSHPD stands for the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development — the California state agency that regulated the seismic safety of hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. In 2021 OSHPD was renamed HCAI (Department of Health Care Access and Information), but the seismic certification programs are still commonly called “OSHPD certification.”

OSHPD seismic certification (now HCAI seismic pre-approval) is required for nonstructural equipment installed in California acute-care hospitals where the importance factor Ip = 1.5. The two pre-approval programs are OSP (Special Seismic Pre-approval, for active/energized equipment) and OPM (Pre-approval of Manufacturer, for equipment and anchorage details). Both must reference the current code cycle (2022 CBC / ASCE 7-22).

OSHPD seismic requirements at a glance: shake table testing per ICC-ES AC156 for active equipment, PE/SE-stamped anchorage calculations per ASCE 7-22 Chapter 13, and an active OSP or OPM number on file with HCAI before installation. Without it, equipment goes through deferred approval — typically 8–16 weeks of project delay.

Free Tools

HCAI OSP & OPM Database — Search Pre-Approved Seismic Equipment

Free searchable databases of HCAI/OSHPD OSP Special Seismic Pre-approvals and OPM Pre-approval of Manufacturer records. Verify approval status by manufacturer, model, or category before you specify or purchase.

HCAI/OSHPD OSP — Special Seismic Pre-approval

  • OSP Equipment Seismic Certification reports prepared for many OEMs
  • Includes Cummins Power Generation Genset Equipment (OSP-0028-10)
  • Shake table testing performed in partnership with National academic and industrial Laboratories
  • PE/SE stamped report of testing results analysis

HCAI/OSHPD OPM — Pre-approval of Manufacturer

  • OPM Pre-approval of Manufacturer for nonstructural component anchorage
  • Approved attachment details, isolators, and snubbers ready for project use
  • Stamped calculations accepted by HCAI/OSHPD reviewers

The Importance of Being HCAI/OSHPD and IBC Seismically Approved

The purpose of HCAI/OSHPD and IBC certification & pre-approval is to ensure that hospitals and other “critical care units” in California will be able to continue functioning during and after an earthquake. The program covers all essential parts of a healthcare facility, including the building itself and its power systems, in addition to electrical, mechanical, and diagnostic equipment.

When hospital owners and general contractors or subcontractors buy equipment for hospitals, they can choose from a variety of manufacturers. If a piece of equipment has not been tested and received HCAI/OSHPD OSP pre-approval before construction begins, deferred approval will be necessary until the qualification is obtained, and projects will be delayed — translating into added project costs.

If a manufacturer has already put their equipment through shake table testing, delays can be avoided and clients will opt to use that manufacturer’s OSP Certified equipment for a more efficient and less costly project experience. For energized equipment (motorized equipment such as generators, pumps, and AC units), the only way to receive HCAI/OSHPD OSP Pre-approval and seismic certification is through shake table testing — followed by a report of testing results analysis prepared by a licensed structural engineer.

OSP Certification Explained: OSHPD/HCAI Special Seismic Pre-approval

The complete guide to OSHPD OSP and OPM pre-approvals

OSP (Special Seismic Certification Pre-approval) is a program administered by HCAI (formerly OSHPD) under the California Building Code (CBC) Chapter 16A and ASCE 7-22 Chapter 13. It allows manufacturers to pre-certify that their equipment will remain operational during and after a Design Basis Earthquake — a mandatory requirement for any nonstructural component installed in a California acute-care hospital, skilled nursing facility, or correctional treatment center where the importance factor Ip = 1.5.

Without an active OSP number on file with HCAI, equipment cannot be installed on an OSHPD project without going through deferred approval — a process that adds 8–16 weeks and tens of thousands of dollars to a project. For manufacturers selling into California healthcare, OSP is effectively a license to bid.

OSP vs OPM — what’s the difference?

OSP
Special Seismic Pre-approval

For active/energized equipment (gensets, pumps, AC units, switchgear). Requires shake table testing per ICC-ES AC156.

OPM
Pre-approval of Manufacturer

Pre-approves a manufacturer’s equipment and anchorage details (bolt patterns, isolators, snubbers) so designers can use them on hospital projects without re-calculation. OPM replaces the legacy OPA designation, which HCAI no longer uses.

The 4-step OSP certification process

  1. 1
    Pre-test analysis & test plan

    Our PE/SE team prepares the AC156 test plan, defines mounting configuration, and calculates Required Response Spectrum (RRS) based on SDS and equipment location.

  2. 2
    Shake table testing

    Triaxial testing performed at our partner Garwood Laboratories (ISO 17025 accredited). Functionality is verified before, during, and after each test level.

  3. 3
    PE/SE stamped report

    Test results are analyzed and compiled into a stamped report meeting HCAI submittal requirements — including TRS vs RRS plots, photos, and post-test functional verification.

  4. 4
    HCAI submittal & OSP number

    We submit the OSP-XXXX-XX application to HCAI Facilities Development Division and respond to all reviewer back-checks until the pre-approval number is issued.

When is OSP certification required?

  • Equipment with Ip = 1.5 installed in HCAI/OSHPD-jurisdiction healthcare facilities (per ASCE 7-22 §13.1.3)
  • Active/energized mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and medical gas equipment
  • Components required for life-safety or post-earthquake operational continuity
  • Equipment installed under California CBC Chapter 16A, including hospitals, SNFs, and correctional treatment facilities
Reference: OSHPD & OSP Seismic Certification and Preapproval (PDF)

Detailed background on the OSHPD Special Seismic Certification program, hosted on our companion site ibcseismic.com.

Download the OSHPD/OSP reference PDF

How to Verify HCAI/OSHPD OSP & OPM Pre-Approvals

Quick answers for engineers, contractors, and specifiers verifying HCAI pre-approval status before bidding, ordering, or installing seismic equipment in California hospitals.

How do I verify a HCAI/OSHPD OSP pre-approval number?

Search the manufacturer or model in our HCAI OSP Database (or the official HCAI eServices Portal). A valid OSP listing shows the OSP number (e.g., OSP-0028-10), manufacturer, equipment description, applicable code cycle (e.g., 2022 CBC), and active/expired status. Always confirm the listing matches the equipment's exact model and configuration before specifying — see our OSHPD/IBC certification overview for the full submittal workflow.

How do I verify a HCAI OPM Pre-approval of Manufacturer record?

Use our HCAI OPM Database to search by manufacturer, model, or category. Each OPM record (e.g., OPM-0500) lists the approved equipment family, attachment details, governing code edition, and approval status. Cross-check the listed configuration and anchorage details against your project drawings — OPM approval covers specific mounting conditions only. For background, read our HCAI PIN 62 OPM 2025 guide.

What's the difference between OSP and OPM in HCAI's pre-approval system?

OSP (Special Seismic Certification Pre-approval) is required for active/energized equipment that must remain operational after a Design Basis Earthquake — it requires shake table testing per ICC-ES AC156. OPM (Pre-approval of Manufacturer) covers a manufacturer's equipment and anchorage details for hospital projects, replacing the legacy OPA designation. Both are tracked by HCAI and required for Ip = 1.5 components — search them in our OSP and OPM databases.

What does an 'expired' or 'inactive' OSP/OPM status mean?

An OSP or OPM may be flagged inactive when the governing code cycle changes (e.g., 2019 CBC → 2022 CBC), when the manufacturer discontinues a product line, or when HCAI requires recertification. Equipment under an inactive pre-approval typically cannot be used on new HCAI projects without a code-cycle update or deferred approval submittal — our certification team can manage the recertification process.

Can I use an OSP/OPM number from a different code cycle on my project?

Generally no. HCAI requires the OSP or OPM pre-approval to reference the same CBC code cycle as your project (currently 2022 CBC). If the existing pre-approval is on an older cycle, the manufacturer must update the listing or you must pursue deferred approval — see our ASCE 7-22 Chapter 13 guide for the current code requirements. Always confirm code-cycle alignment in the OSP and OPM databases before relying on a pre-approval number.

OSP Certification — Frequently Asked Questions

How long does OSP certification take?

Typically 4–6 months from kickoff to issued OSP number, depending on equipment complexity, shake table availability, and HCAI review queue. Equipment with prior test history can move faster.

Is OSP the same as IBC seismic certification?

No. IBC seismic certification (per ASCE 7-22 §13.2.2) applies nationwide and may be satisfied by analysis, experience data, or testing. OSP is a California-specific HCAI pre-approval that requires shake table testing for active equipment, regardless of IBC status.

What is the cost of OSP certification?

Costs vary by equipment size and configuration but typically range from $25,000–$80,000 including engineering, testing, and HCAI submittal fees. Larger or multi-configuration units cost more.

Does an OSP number expire?

OSP pre-approvals remain active as long as the equipment design and the governing code edition referenced in the certification remain unchanged. Code cycle changes (e.g., 2022 CBC) may require recertification or addendum.

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