Implementation: Circa 2005 Through 2010

Abstract

From 1998 until about 2005, SB 1953 implementation proceeded slowly as issues arose almost continually, largely because such a large number of hospitals classified as being in need of retrofit or replacement stretched a limited staff, much time was consumed in honing detailed technical requirements for program compliance as questions arose from structural engineers, and as hospitals continued to find themselves in dire financial straits. By the middle of the first decade of the new century, it was clear that major adaptations would have to be made to some aspects of the program to avoid the prospect of massive noncompliance and overwhelming cost burdens during difficult economic circumstances. When neither the legislative nor executive branches could devise program reforms, OSHPD itself adopted a major programmatic adjustment that would help ensure compliance, at least over the longer term.