AIA Louisiana/LAPELS Examine DHH Requirements

AIA Louisiana participated in a roundtable discussion on January 8th with leaders from the Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board, Board of Architectural Examiners and the Office of State Fire Marshal. Among topics discussed were pending 2015 legislation, firm rules and education funding for students. Joe Delaune, Chief Architect for OSFM, gave a presentation on the new electronic plan review system (Phase I). Phase II will allow shared access to all government agencies.

AIA Louisiana asked for clarification of the Department of Health and Hospitals’ rule which requires a mechanical engineer’s stamp on HVAC repairs at schools and other facilities. Lynn Robertson, AIA Louisiana Executive Director, stated that there are no written requirements in state law or LAPELS rules and regulations which address this issue. LAPELS representatives stated that their organization had not been informed and were not aware of a requirement from their board.

AIA LA will continue to pursue a change in the DHH requirements.