California Supplemental (CSE) Practice Exam

Which of the following deadlines is NOT part of the seismic safety regulations for hospitals?

1. Major non-structural systems must be braced by 2002

2. All hospital buildings must be operational by 2030

3. All general acute-care facilities must be retrofitted by 2015

4. City or County hospitals can request extension to 2020

The correct answer is: All general acute-care facilities must be retrofitted by 2015

The stated correct answer accurately reflects the seismic safety regulations for hospitals, as it focuses on the specific deadlines that were established in accordance with California law. The requirement for all general acute-care facilities to be retrofitted by 2015 is outdated, especially considering that the law was primarily aimed at ensuring that facilities are upgraded to withstand seismic activity to protect patients and staff. The 2015 deadline may have been relevant in previous discussions or drafts but does not align with the finalized regulations. In contrast, the other deadlines mentioned are in accordance with current seismic safety guidelines and regulations. Major non-structural systems needing to be braced by 2002 highlights an earlier focus on safety improvements, while the 2030 operational deadline establishes a clear and forward-looking target for hospital functionality post-earthquake. The provision for city or county hospitals to request an extension to 2020 shows flexibility within the regulations to accommodate specific circumstances, keeping overall safety as a priority. By identifying the incorrect deadline, it becomes clear that understanding current seismic safety regulations is essential to evaluating the preparedness of hospital infrastructure in earthquake-prone California. This context is critical for those preparing for the relevant examinations.