What is OSHPD pre-approval?

OSHPD pre-approval is a set of voluntary HCAI programs that review a manufacturer's certification or design in advance, so later California healthcare projects can reference the preapproval instead of resubmitting the full design for review. Project-specific items, such as how it is installed and what it attaches to, are still reviewed on each project. HCAI lists five preapproval programs; the three most relevant to equipment and product manufacturers are OSP, OPM and PCS.

Is OSHPD pre-approval mandatory?

No. HCAI describes OSP, OPM and PCS as voluntary programs. Pre-approval is a way to streamline project review. Whether a component needs special seismic certification on a given project is a separate question governed by the applicable code and the project's requirements.

What is the difference between OSP and OPM?

OSP is preapproval of the special seismic certification of nonstructural components, limited to components that require special seismic certification under CBC Section 1705.14.3, 1705A.14.3 or ASCE 7 Section 13.2.2. OPM is preapproval of the seismic design of supports and attachments for nonstructural components, bracing of distribution systems, and certain partition wall and suspended ceiling bracing. HCAI states that OPM is not a product or component approval program and does not verify the adequacy of the supporting structure.

PCS (OSHPD Preapproved Prefabricated Components and Systems) is a voluntary HCAI program for review and preapproval of prefabricated components and systems used in California healthcare facility construction. HCAI notes it removes the need for a manufacturer to find a healthcare project to get the system reviewed.

How do I apply for OSHPD pre-approval?

Per HCAI, OSP and OPM applications are submitted through HCAI's eServices Portal (eSP). PCS applications are not submitted through eSP; HCAI asks applicants to download the PCS application and email it to PPCS@hcai.ca.gov. Check the current HCAI program page before applying, because procedures change with code cycles.

OSHPD Pre-Approval: OSP, OPM and PCS Explained

OSHPD pre-approval means HCAI reviews a manufacturer's product, certification or design once, so it can be used on California healthcare projects without a fresh review each time. All three manufacturer programs are voluntary:

OSP: equipment that needs special seismic certification.
OPM: the seismic design of supports, attachments and bracing, not the product itself.
PCS: prefabricated components and systems.

Which program fits your product?

Program	What HCAI preapproves	Key limits	How to apply	Learn more
OSP OSHPD Special Seismic Certification Preapproval	Preapproval of special seismic certification of nonstructural components (equipment manufacturers).	Limited to nonstructural components that require special seismic certification per CBC 1705.14.3, 1705A.14.3 or ASCE 7 §13.2.2.	HCAI eServices Portal (eSP)	OSP guide Search OSP list HCAI source
OPM OSHPD Preapproval of Manufacturer's Certification	Seismic design of supports and attachments for nonstructural components; seismic bracing of distribution systems (HVAC ducts, pipes, electrical raceways); partition wall and suspended ceiling bracing equivalent to OSHPD Preapproved Details.	Not a product/component approval program. Does not verify the adequacy of the supporting structure.	HCAI eServices Portal (eSP)	OPM guide Search OPM list HCAI source
PCS OSHPD Preapproved Prefabricated Components and Systems	Review and preapproval of prefabricated components and systems, which can span multiple disciplines.	A separate program from OSP and OPM; it is not a substitute for special seismic certification.	PDF application emailed to PPCS@hcai.ca.gov (not through eSP)	PCS guide Search PCS list HCAI source

Pre-approval vs project-specific approval

Without a pre-approval, a component's certification or anchorage design is reviewed as part of each healthcare project's submittal. A pre-approval lets the project reference an already reviewed listing. Pre-approval is voluntary. It doesn't change whether the applicable code requires special seismic certification for a component on a given project, and project-specific conditions such as the supporting structure still have to be addressed. HCAI states this explicitly for OPM.

Not sure whether your equipment needs OSP or OPM? See our OSP vs OPM comparison and what OSHPD is.

Typical steps

Confirm which program matches your product and scope (table above).
Prepare the certification or design documentation the program requires. Check the current HCAI program page and PIN for the active code cycle.
Submit through eSP (OSP, OPM) or by email (PCS), as HCAI directs.
Respond to HCAI review comments until the listing is approved and published.

Talk to an engineer about pre-approval

Frequently asked questions

What is OSHPD pre-approval?: OSHPD pre-approval is a set of voluntary HCAI programs that review a manufacturer's certification or design in advance, so later California healthcare projects can reference the preapproval instead of resubmitting the full design for review. Project-specific items, such as how it is installed and what it attaches to, are still reviewed on each project. HCAI lists five preapproval programs; the three most relevant to equipment and product manufacturers are OSP, OPM and PCS.
Is OSHPD pre-approval mandatory?: No. HCAI describes OSP, OPM and PCS as voluntary programs. Pre-approval is a way to streamline project review. Whether a component needs special seismic certification on a given project is a separate question governed by the applicable code and the project's requirements.
What is the difference between OSP and OPM?: OSP is preapproval of the special seismic certification of nonstructural components, limited to components that require special seismic certification under CBC Section 1705.14.3, 1705A.14.3 or ASCE 7 Section 13.2.2. OPM is preapproval of the seismic design of supports and attachments for nonstructural components, bracing of distribution systems, and certain partition wall and suspended ceiling bracing. HCAI states that OPM is not a product or component approval program and does not verify the adequacy of the supporting structure.
What is HCAI PCS?: PCS (OSHPD Preapproved Prefabricated Components and Systems) is a voluntary HCAI program for review and preapproval of prefabricated components and systems used in California healthcare facility construction. HCAI notes it removes the need for a manufacturer to find a healthcare project to get the system reviewed.
How do I apply for OSHPD pre-approval?: Per HCAI, OSP and OPM applications are submitted through HCAI's eServices Portal (eSP). PCS applications are not submitted through eSP; HCAI asks applicants to download the PCS application and email it to PPCS@hcai.ca.gov. Check the current HCAI program page before applying, because procedures change with code cycles.

Keep reading on related topics

Sources: HCAI Preapproval Programs pages for OSP, OPM and PCS (hcai.ca.gov), reviewed November 2026. Programs and procedures change with code cycles. Always confirm against the current HCAI page and PINs.

Continue through the connected code, certification, and design references.

Seismic Anchor CalculationsPE/SE stamped anchor calculation packages on a 5-day turnaround.Seismic Anchor Calculations Seismic Anchors Resource HubGuides, worked examples, and calculators for equipment anchorage.Seismic Anchors Resource Hub Equipment Anchorage DesignSeven-step workflow from Fp determination to stamped submittal.Equipment Anchorage Design Anchor Bolt & Anchorage Design ExamplesWorked tension, shear, and combined-load checks per ACI 318-19 Ch. 17.Anchor Bolt & Anchorage Design Examples ASCE 7-22 Chapter 13 GuideFp, Hf, Rμ, CAR, and Ω0p explained for nonstructural components.ASCE 7-22 Chapter 13 Guide