S3 E1 – Safe by Design: Proactive Maintenance for Code and Care

Hosts John Williams and Marissa Lamperis Kastrinos sit down with Kirsten Waltz and Ryan Turner, leaders from the 2026 Health Guidelines Revision Committee (HGRC), to preview the physical design updates heading your way and the intent behind them.   Designing the next generation of healing environments is an exciting opportunity, and having the right tools makes all the difference. By understanding the intention behind several of the key changes in the 2026 FGI Code for Planning and Design of Hospitals before the launch, you can stay ahead of industry shifts, make better-informed design decisions, and position your projects for long-term success. 

In a special crossover episode, The Splice Girls Podcast joins Between the Lines with FGI for a conversation that connects the intent behind health care facility requirements with the realities of construction and implementation. Drawing on FGI's authority in health care facility planning and design, Between the Lines with FGI explores the purpose and intent behind the minimum requirements that shape safe, functional, and resilient environments of care. The Splice Girls Podcast brings the perspective of the field, creating space for authentic conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing today's construction industry. Sponsored by: American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE): Optimizing health care facilities  Link to show notes: https://fgiguidelines.org/podcast/s3-e5-between-the-lines-with-fgi-and-the-splice-girls-podcast-how-collaboration-shapes-the-fgi-codes/

In this episode of Between the Lines with FGI, hosts Marissa Lamperis Kastrinos and John Williams sit down with the tri‑chairs of the 2026 FGI Codes for Planning and Design of Outpatient Settings: Kevin Matuszewski, Collin Beers, and Jennifer Kuschinsky. Together, they explore the major updates shaping the 2026 FGI Outpatient Code and discuss how evolving clinical practices, advancing technology, and new models of care are transforming outpatient environments. The conversation also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the multiyear revision process and the collaboration that drives the development of the FGI Codes. Listeners will get an inside look at new chapters, clarified terminology, streamlined imaging requirements, and the growing role of flexible, multifunctional outpatient spaces designed to support the future of care.    Sponsored by: American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE): Optimizing health care facilities    Link to show notes: https://fgiguidelines.org/podcast/s3-e4-the-code-ahead-a-preview-to-the-2026-fgi-outpatient-code/   Take a deeper dive into the 2026 FGI Outpatient Code: An on-demand webinar is available at FGI University that breaks down the specific updates mentioned in this episode, plus additional context and practical takeaways, directly from the chairs of the Outpatient Document Group of the 2026 Health Guidelines Revision Committee (HGRC).    Earn CEUs Anytime with FGI University and Between the Lines with FGI:  Gain even more insight with the extended version of this episode while earning continuing education units (CEUs)! Head over to FGIUniversity.org our educational platform for the FGI Codes/Guidelines, and explore CEU- and HSW-approved audio courses designed to make earning credits effortless—perfect for learning on the go.   To make it even better, use promo code BTL10 at checkout to get 10% off any Between the Lines with FGI course and the on-demand webinar for the 2026 FGI Outpatient Code. Listen, learn, and save today.    AIA self-reporting: FGI is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 38744124. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES ([email protected]). This learning program may be self-reported for LU credit through the AIA Continuing Education System. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA.  To receive AIA self-reported LUs, learners must complete and self-report two of these entire learning programs for 1 LU.  Learn more about AIA self-reporting LUs: https://fgiguidelines.org/aia-self-reporting-lus/  Connect with us on LinkedIn Author: Facility Guidelines Institute 

In this episode of Between the Lines with FGI, John Williams and Marissa Lamperis Kastrinos introduce the first installment of a three-part series that focuses on each of the documents in the 2026 FGI Codes, starting with the Residential document. Marissa and John welcome Addie Abushousheh, Gaius G. Nelson, and John Shoesmith, the chairs of the Residential Document Group of the 2026 Health Guidelines Revision Committee (HGRC), who provide an inside look at the key changes to the 2026 FGI Code for Planning and Design of Residential Care and Support Settings, as well as their inspiration for leading these changes. The 2026 FGI Residential Code provides baseline requirements for the planning, design, and construction of nursing homes, hospice facilities, assisted living settings, residential behavioral and mental health treatment facilities, long-term residential substance use disorder facilities, settings for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, adult day care and adult day health care facilities, wellness centers, and outpatient rehabilitation therapy facilities. This episode discusses additions and revisions to the 2026 FGI Residential Code, including clearer language addressing dining spaces, resident room capacity, and small-scale environments. This trio of experts shed light on the revision process of the FGI Codes/Guidelines through the HGRC and industry perspectives that shaped the outcomes. They discuss the major shift in how information is delivered through FGI's new approach to providing both code requirements and advisory guidance.  Sponsored by:   American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE): Optimizing health care facilities Link to show notes: https://fgiguidelines.org/podcast/s3-e3-the-code-ahead-a-preview-to-the-2026-fgi-residential-code/ Take a deeper dive into the 2026 FGI Residential Code An on-demand webinar is available at FGI University that breaks down the specific updates mentioned in this episode, plus additional context and practical takeaways, directly from the chairs of the Residential Document Group of the 2026 Health Guidelines Revision Committee (HGRC).  Earn CEUs Anytime with FGI University and Between the Lines with FGI:  Gain even more insight with the extended version of this episode while earning continuing education units (CEUs)! Head over to FGIUniversity.org our educational platform for the FGI Codes/Guidelines, and explore CEU- and HSW-approved audio courses designed to make earning credits effortless—perfect for learning on the go.   To make it even better, use promo code BTL10 at checkout to get 10% off any Between the Lines with FGI course and the on-demand webinar for the 2026 FGI Residential Code. Listen, learn, and save today.   AIA self-reporting: FGI is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 38744124. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES ([email protected]). This learning program may be self-reported for LU credit through the AIA Continuing Education System. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA.  To receive AIA self-reported LUs, learners must complete and self-report two of these entire learning programs for 1 LU.  Learn more about AIA self-reporting LUs: https://fgiguidelines.org/aia-self-reporting-lus/  Connect with us on LinkedIn Author: Facility Guidelines Institute 

In this episode of Between the Lines with FGI, John Williams and Marissa Lamperis Kastrinos welcome back our beloved co-host, Bridget McDougall, as she continues to navigate an unexpected and challenging chapter in her family's life: caring for her 8-year-old son following the sudden onset of acute psychiatric symptoms. Bridget's journey included repeated crises, multiple hospitalizations, and countless hours in health care spaces—giving her a unique, firsthand perspective on how the built environment can aid or hinder healing. While the conversation focuses on the intersection of the FGI Codes/Guidelines, design, and patient experience, we begin with a brief look at what led her family to seek care. Join Marissa, John, and Bridget as they explore why design matters in moments of vulnerability and how health care spaces shape recovery.   Sponsored by:  American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE): Optimizing health care facilities 

  In the Season 3 opener of Between the Lines with FGI, cohosts John Williams and Marissa Lamperis Kastrinos sit down with Jonathan Flannery, MHSA, CHFM, FASHE, FACHE, senior associate director, American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE) and Mark Mochel, MBA, CHFM, SASHE, ACABE, strategic account executive at Brightly, A Siemens Company, to unpack one of health care's most overlooked challenges—deferred maintenance. Together, they explore how proactive infrastructure investment can enhance patient safety, reduce long-term costs, and foster collaboration across design, construction, and operations. With real-world stories and strategic insights, listeners will learn how facility managers, architects, and clinical leaders can turn maintenance planning into a vital component of care delivery.    Sponsored by:   American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE): Optimizing health care facilities  Brightly, A Siemens Company: Software to create more secure, efficient, & compliant facilities.   Link to show notes: https://fgiguidelines.org/podcast/s3-e1-safe-by-design-proactive-maintenance-for-code-and-care/ Learn more about AIA self-reporting LUs: https://fgiguidelines.org/aia-self-reporting-lus/  Connect with us on LinkedIn  

In this episode of Between the Lines with FGI, cohosts John Williams and Marissa Lamperis Kastrinos are joined by ASHE's Leah Hummel and Chad Beebe for a conversation recorded live at HFIC. The discussion focuses on the Joint Commission's upcoming consolidation of standards, set to take effect in 2026, and what these changes mean for health care facilities. Leah and Chad explain the addition of the new National Performance Goals chapter, the Commission's unique ability to respond quickly to critical safety concerns, and how high-profile incidents can influence survey priorities. They also introduce ASHE's new survey readiness course, which aligns current and future Joint Commission standards with NFPA, CMS, and other accrediting body requirements.     Sponsored by:   American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE): Optimizing health care facilities    Link to show notes: https://fgiguidelines.org/podcast/s3-kickoff-whats-new-with-joint-commission-recorded-at-hfic/ Learn more about AIA self-reporting LUs: https://fgiguidelines.org/aia-self-reporting-lus/  Connect with us on LinkedIn      

In this episode, Toby Gilk returns to discuss the intriguing and complex world of MRI technology. Learn about the role of superconductivity in MRI machines, the potential hazards of quench pipes, and the importance of proper design to prevent catastrophic failures. Toby explains how superconductivity allows MRI machines to operate efficiently without continuous power but also introduces risks if not managed correctly. Hear about real-world examples of quench pipe failures and the engineering solutions that mitigate these dangers, and gain insights into the latest advancements in MRI technology and how they impact safety protocols in healthcare facilities.   Sponsored by:   American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE): Optimizing health care facilities      Link to show notes: https://fgiguidelines.org/podcast/s2-e8-mri-quench-pipes-engineering-challenges-and-safety-solutions Learn more about AIA self-reporting LUs: https://fgiguidelines.org/aia-self-reporting-lus/  Connect with us on LinkedIn

In this episode of Between the Lines with FGI, host John Williams interviews Christoph Lohr, vice president of technical services and research at IAPMO and the plumbing task group chair for the 2026 Health Guidelines Revision Committee (HGRC). Their discussion explores the complexities and challenges of plumbing systems in health care facilities, emphasizing the importance of water quality and safety. Christoph also highlights the collaborative efforts between IAPMO and FGI to improve plumbing standards and codes. Listeners will gain insights into the critical role of plumbing in health care and the ongoing efforts to enhance system resiliency and efficiency.      Sponsored by:   American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE): Optimizing health care facilities      Link to show notes: https://fgiguidelines.org/podcast/s2-e7-plumbing-standards-and-health-care-facility-design/ Learn more about AIA self-reporting LUs: https://fgiguidelines.org/aia-self-reporting-lus/  Connect with us on LinkedIn    

In this episode of Between the Lines with FGI, cohosts John Williams and Bridget McDougall sit down with Dr. Marie Martin from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to discuss the critical topic of safe patient handling and mobility. Dr. Martin shares her journey and insights into the development of guidelines and practices that ensure the safety and well-being of both patients and caregivers. Learn about the importance of accommodating individuals of all sizes in health care environments and the innovative solutions being implemented to address these needs. This episode is packed with valuable information for anyone interested in health care design and patient safety. Tune in for an engaging and educational conversation!    Sponsored by:   American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE): Optimizing health care facilities     Link to show notes:  Learn more about AIA self-reporting LUs: https://fgiguidelines.org/aia-self-reporting-lus/  Connect with us on LinkedIn