Hospitals have unique functional requirements that are different from many other facilities. Hospitals, first and foremost, are facilities that are designed and built to provide for the care and healing of patients. Many, if not all, of the typical hospital building MEP systems are required to operate 24/7 throughout the year. Systems need to be designed to reduce and limit the possibility of infectious disease being transmitted from patient to patient and patient to staff. Operating rooms need to have their air flow designed to protect patients against infection and provide a comfortable working environment for the surgical team. Oxygen and vacuum needs to be provided to patient rooms. Oxygen, medical air, vacuum and other medical gases need to be provided to operating rooms.

Imaging equipment needs to be installed and properly shielded. Security access systems are typically required. Communications systems such as paging and nurse call systems are required.

Many hospital systems require emergency power backup. Proper installation and testing of the emergency power system is critical for all hospitals. Additionally, life safety requirements are also essential for hospital operation.