OSHPD (HCAI) Vs ICC‑ES: Key Differences in Seismic Certification Compliance

In the North American construction and seismic isolation industry, OSHPD (officially renamed HCAI) and ICC‑ES are the two most critical compliance benchmarks for seismic products. Although both validate seismic safety for building components and mechanical systems, they serve different jurisdictions, project types, and code requirements. Understanding their core differences is essential for manufacturers, engineers, and contractors bidding on U.S. commercial and California healthcare projects.

OSHPD, now known as HCAI (Department of Health Care Access and Information), is a California state government authority. It enforces strict seismic regulations under the Alfred E. Alquist Hospital Seismic Safety Act (HSSA) and California Building Code (CBC). Its primary mission is to ensure that essential healthcare facilities remain fully operational after major earthquakes. For this reason, OSHPD/HCAI requirements apply exclusively toCalifornia acute-care hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, which are classified as high-importance Ip=1.5 seismic structures.

OSHPD's seismic compliance system relies on two core pre-approval programs: OPM (Pre-approval of Manufacturer) and OSP (Special Seismic Pre-approval). OPM certifies structural seismic components, including seismic isolation bearings, viscous dampers, bracing systems, and anchorage assemblies. Manufacturers must submit accredited test data and PE/SE-stamped engineering calculations for official HCAI database listing. OSP targets energized non-structural HVAC and medical equipment, requiring mandatory ICC‑ES AC156 shake-table testing to verify post-earthquake functionality. Importantly, ASHRAE 171‑2017 cyclic test reports are accepted for restraint component qualification but cannot replace OSP shake-table certification.

In contrast, ICC‑ES (ICC Evaluation Service) is a national third-party evaluation body affiliated with the International Code Council. It delivers ESR (Evaluation Service Report) certification compliant with IBC and ASCE 7 standards. ICC‑ES certification is valid for nearly all commercial, residential, and public building projects across the entire United States. It covers structural isolators, dampers, seismic bracings, and various non-structural mechanical components, serving as the universal baseline for U.S. building code compliance.

The most critical industry rule is that an ICC‑ES ESR report cannot replace OSHPD/HCAI pre-approval. While ICC‑ES provides nationwide code compliance, it does not automatically satisfy California healthcare regulations. Even products with valid ESR reports must complete additional OPM or OSP listing to be installed in California hospital projects. For regular commercial buildings outside the healthcare sector, ICC‑ES ESR certification is fully sufficient and universally accepted by local building authorities.

Another key distinction lies in compliance logic. ICC‑ES evaluates general seismic performance, structural capacity, and code compatibility for broad market applications. OSHPD/HCAI focuses specifically on post-earthquake operational continuity, a stricter standard unique to medical facilities. Hospitals must avoid equipment failure, structural displacement, or system shutdowns after seismic events, which explains why OSHPD maintains higher thresholds for product qualification.