HCAI PCS Certification & Application Services
Prepare and file HCAI PCS (Preapproved Prefabricated Components and Systems) applications for California hospital projects. Panache Engineering handles the calculations, shop drawings, PE stamps, and PPCS submittal — so your prefabricated frames, pods, and assemblies clear HCAI once and deploy on every project after.
What is HCAI PCS?
The California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI, formerly OSHPD) runs the Preapproved Prefabricated Components and Systems program to pre-vet modular and prefabricated assemblies used in hospital construction. Once a product has a PCS number, individual project reviews accept the engineering as-is, dramatically shortening plan-check cycles.
PCS complements HCAI's equipment-focused programs: OSP for nonstructural equipment seismic certification and OPM for manufacturer product certifications.
Typical PCS products
- Prequalified & Yield-Link steel moment connections
- Prefabricated bathroom / patient-room pods
- Modular building & MEP racks
- FRP composite strengthening systems
- Prefabricated seismic bracing assemblies
- Prefabricated headwalls and casework systems
Deliverables
- Complete PCS application package addressed to PPCS@hcai.ca.gov
- Structural calculations signed and stamped by a California-licensed PE
- Full shop drawings and typical installation details
- Test reports, QA/QC documentation, and manufacturing quality plan
- Response to HCAI plan-check comments through approval
- Renewal / version-update submittals for existing PCS numbers
Codes & standards
- CBC 2022California Building Code — Chapter 16A structural + Chapter 34A OSHPD amendments.
- ASCE 7-22Seismic design loads including Chapter 13 nonstructural and Chapter 15 non-building structures.
- AISC 341/360Seismic and general steel design — governs prequalified and Yield-Link style moment connections.
- AC156 / ICC-ESShake-table qualification protocol for nonstructural components when required by HCAI.
- HCAI PPCS BulletinCurrent HCAI Preapproval Programs procedures and submittal checklist.
How the PCS process works
Review your product line, target CBC / ASCE 7 seismic parameters, and prior test data. Confirm whether PCS is the right pathway vs. OSP or project-specific review.
Prepare seismic, wind, gravity, and connection calculations. Perform FEA where required for prequalified moment connections and prefabricated frames.
Develop signed/stamped shop drawings, installation instructions, and a manufacturing QA plan aligned with HCAI expectations.
Package and submit to PPCS@hcai.ca.gov, then manage all plan-check correspondence through issuance of the PCS number.
Related HCAI services
HCAI OSP Certification
Special Seismic Certification Preapproval for chillers, generators, switchgear, and other nonstructural equipment.
HCAI OPM Database
Preapproved Manufacturer's Certification records — bracing, isolators, and manufacturer-tested products.
Shake Table Testing (AC156)
Independent AC156 qualification testing often paired with PCS submittals for nonstructural assemblies.
HCAI PCS frequently asked questions
What is HCAI PCS?
HCAI PCS (Preapproved Prefabricated Components and Systems) is a voluntary California Department of Health Care Access and Information program that grants advance approval to modular components, moment frames, prefabricated pods, and similar assemblies used in hospital construction. A PCS approval streamlines project-level HCAI review because the component has already been vetted against California Building Code and OSHPD structural requirements.
How is PCS different from OSP or OPM?
OSP (Special Seismic Certification Preapproval) is for individual pieces of nonstructural equipment such as chillers, generators, and switchgear. OPM (Preapproval of Manufacturer's Certification) covers manufactured seismic products like isolation valves and bracing components. PCS is for larger prefabricated structural or non-structural assemblies and systems — such as bathroom pods, prefabricated moment connections, and composite strengthening systems.
Where do I submit a PCS application?
PCS submittals are sent to PPCS@hcai.ca.gov and reviewed by the HCAI Preapproval Programs unit. A complete package typically includes structural calculations, test reports, quality documentation, and a full set of shop drawings signed and stamped by a California-licensed professional engineer.
Can Panache Engineering be the engineer of record on my PCS submittal?
Yes. Panache Engineering provides California-licensed structural PE stamps, prepares the calculations and shop drawings, and manages the full HCAI review cycle including responses to plan-check comments until the PCS approval is issued.
Related articles from our engineering blog
PCS, OSP, and OPM are three different HCAI preapproval programs and picking the wrong one costs weeks. Here's exactly what a Preapproval of Component Systems covers and when to use it.
ASCE 7-22 reshapes the nonstructural horizontal seismic force Fp with new variables (Hf, Rμ, CAR, Rpo). Here's what Preapproval and Project DPORs need to know for OPM and OSP submittals under the 2025 CBC.
Everything equipment manufacturers need to know about OSHPD/HCAI Special Seismic Certification Preapproval (OSP) under the 2022 CBC — scope, AC156 shake table testing, PIN 55 & PIN 58, submittal requirements, label, and the 60/30/30 review timeline.
Ready to file your PCS application?
Get a fixed-fee proposal within 24 hours from a California-licensed structural PE who's built PCS submittal packages before.