The HCAI TIO Program: Testing, Inspection and Observation, Explained
What the TIO Program is on an HCAI (formerly OSHPD) project, who writes it, what it lists, and what the contractor owes it: tests, special inspections, observations and verified compliance reports.
What the TIO Program is
On an HCAI hospital (OSHPD 1) or skilled nursing (OSHPD 2) project, the Testing, Inspection and Observation Program lists every test, special inspection and observation the job needs, and who does each one. Once HCAI approves it, it is part of the approved construction documents, the same as the drawings.
The architect or engineer in responsible charge prepares it, signs it and submits it. HCAI approves the plans, the Inspector of Record and the TIO Program before it issues the building permit.
What it lists
- Tests: the tests Title 24 requires, plus any the approved documents add, each with the lab or person responsible.
- Special inspections: each with the qualified special inspector responsible.
- Observations: a grid of construction elements (foundations, concrete, steel, fire protection, substantial completion and more) against the people who must observe them, from the geotechnical engineer and the architect to the contractor and the Inspector of Record.
- A deadline for test and inspection reports. If the designer does not set one, it is 15 calendar days.
Where the Inspector of Record comes in
The Inspector of Record verifies each completed test and special inspection, initials and dates it on the program, and keeps a copy of every verified compliance report. HCAI field staff then accept the work.
Work cannot be covered, occupied or used until everyone listed for it and HCAI field staff have accepted it in writing. That is what holds up a ceiling or a wall when one report is missing.
What the contractor owes the TIO
- Know which lines are yours. The contractor can be the responsible party when no regulation requires a certified lab or inspector.
- File a verified compliance report for every observation the program marks to the contractor, from personal knowledge of the work.
- Schedule tests and inspections before the work is covered, and keep reports moving inside the program's deadline.
- File a final verified compliance report at the end of the job. At a minimum the contractor and the Inspector of Record file one.
- Keep the reports on site. HCAI field staff can review them at any time, and missing reports can lead to a stop work order.
How BuildControl tracks this
BuildControl's Testing & Inspections register holds each line of the TIO: the agency and inspector, the status, the dates scheduled and performed, the date the Inspector of Record verified it, and the report itself. The next item to schedule and the report still missing are on one screen, and the inspector and the design team join the job without a paid seat.
This is general information, not legal or regulatory advice. HCAI's, the Joint Commission's and each hospital's requirements change and differ by facility. Confirm anything here against the current published guidance and your project's approved documents before relying on it.