I remember there being a topic on this in the old forum but I couldn't find it today.  

I was hoping there was someone out there who could help me with determining if there was a minimum number of (in this case O2 and vacuum) outlets required for a surgery center in regards to accreditation.

I found a reprinted magazine article from 2006 (Plumbing System Design) on ASPE's site that stated "The JCAHO publishes a manual that refers to the AIA guide­lines for the minimum number of stations for oxy­gen, medical air, and vacuum that must be installed in order to obtain accreditation."

I know the info quoted is old (2006), but does anyone have any up to date info on this, especially in regards to a surgery center who will seek accreditation?

I personally have had several debates, on the understanding of the AIA Guidelines concerning the minimum number of medical gas outlets or vacuum inlets.

In my opinion the requirement or recommendation, has to do with what a facility is to install, if they were to physically pipe the healthcare center with a medical gas and vacuum system.

(i.e.)

1) If a healthcare facility install / pipe, a emergency trauma room with oxygen, medical air and vacuum. We would see 3 oxygen ,1 medical air and 3 vacuum.

2) But if the healthcare facility (lets say is small & in no-mans land) installs / pipes, the emergency trauma room with ONLY oxygen and vacuum. We would see 3 oxygen , a risk managed portable tank medical air  and 3 vacuum.

I have never understood the AIA or The Joint Commission requiring a facility to install a central supply system.