What Does OSHPD Mean?

OSHPD is the Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development — the office that acts as the enforcing agency for the design, construction, and seismic safety of health facilities within its jurisdiction in California. In July 2021 the department was reorganized as HCAI, the Department of Health Care Access and Information, and OSHPD continues to exist as the office within HCAI that performs those building-safety functions. That is why OSHPD facility classifications and preapproval program names still carry the OSHPD prefix. Which facilities and which scopes fall under OSHPD review depends on the facility type and current HCAI guidance (CAN 2-0).

OSHPD vs HCAI — what changed?

HCAI is the department; OSHPD is the office inside it. The 2021 change was an administrative reorganization, and the day-to-day terminology an engineer, contractor, or equipment manufacturer works with still uses the OSHPD name. What continues is the terminology — not a freeze on requirements:

• OSHPD facility classifications — OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 — still in use
• Voluntary preapproval programs still prefixed OSHPD — OSP (OSHPD Special Seismic Certification Preapproval), OPM (OSHPD Preapproval of Manufacturer's Certification) and PCS (OSHPD Preapproved Prefabricated Components and Systems)
• PIN bulletins and CANs keep the same numbering, but their content is revised — PIN 55 was revised 10/23/2025 and CAN 2-0 was issued June 2026
• Plan review and inspection continue under HCAI, with procedures governed by current HCAI guidance and the project's jurisdiction
• Project requirements follow the applicable California Building Standards Code cycle in effect for that application, not a fixed edition

What does OSHPD/HCAI actually do?

The HCAI Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD) reviews and approves new construction, additions, and major equipment installations in health facilities within its jurisdiction. See the HCAI seismic certification requirements for how that applies to nonstructural components. HCAI uses several distinct preapproval programs and project-specific review paths; they are not interchangeable:

• OSP — OSHPD Special Seismic Certification Preapproval — a voluntary HCAI preapproval of special seismic certification (SSC) for listed nonstructural components. An OSP is not automatically valid on every California hospital project: applicability depends on the approved models and configurations, the certified limits and conditions of the listing, and the project seismic demand. You can search the HCAI OSP database to check a listing. Substantiation for active/energized equipment is by approved shake-table testing.
• OPM — OSHPD Preapproval of Manufacturer's Certification — a voluntary preapproval of the seismic design of supports and attachments for nonstructural components. It is not a product or component approval, and it is not a substitute for SSC.
• PCS — OSHPD Preapproved Prefabricated Components and Systems — a voluntary multidisciplinary preapproval of prefabricated components and systems (for example bathroom pods or modular assemblies). PCS is not an SSC pathway. Browse the free PCS database.
• Project-specific SSC / review — where SSC is required and no applicable OSP is used, a project-specific HCAI-approved SSC package may be used where allowed. Under the current PIN 55 (rev. 10/23/2025), active or energized equipment requiring SSC is substantiated by approved shake-table testing; supports, attachments, and connectors may be justified by analysis as applicable.

OSHPD building types 1, 2 and 3

Every regulated healthcare building carries a classification that drives its seismic obligations: OSHPD 1 (general acute care), OSHPD 2 (skilled nursing), OSHPD 3 (clinics and outpatient), plus 1R, 4, 5 and 6. OSHPD 6 covers Chemical Dependency Recovery Hospitals — per current CAN 2-0, freestanding CDRH facilities are typically reviewed by the local jurisdiction, while a CDRH distinct-part unit inside an OSHPD 1 or OSHPD 5 facility can fall under OSHPD. Structural performance is rated SPC-1 through SPC-5 (including the SPC-4D retrofit path) and nonstructural performance NPC-1 through NPC-5. See the full HCAI building classifications guide — OSHPD 1 vs 2 vs 3, SPC and NPC ratings.

Quick history

• 1978 — OSHPD created after the 1971 San Fernando earthquake.
• July 2021 — the department became HCAI; OSHPD continues as the office within HCAI.
• October 2025 — PIN 55 revised (10/23/2025).
• January 1, 2026 — the 2025 California Building Standards Code became effective for applicable new applications, subject to HCAI code-application rules.
• June 2026 — CAN 2-0 issued, describing OSHPD's role and jurisdiction within HCAI.

Does OSHPD apply outside California?

HCAI/OSHPD jurisdiction is California-specific. Outside California, the project's adopted building code, adopted ASCE 7 edition, local amendments, AHJ, and contract requirements govern whether special seismic certification is required. An HCAI OSP may provide useful qualification evidence, but acceptance outside HCAI jurisdiction is project- and AHJ-specific.

Related resources

• What is an HCAI OSP? — full guide
• OSHPD seismic requirements checklist
• OSHPD 1 vs 2 vs 3 — HCAI building classifications, SPC & NPC
• Free OSP database — search 3,000+ listings
• HCAI PCS certification & application services
• HCAI PCS database — preapproved prefabricated components
• HCAI certification cost (2026)
• HCAI certification timeline