The Hospital industry is running a full court press in California to convince Sacramento that tough seismic retrofitting rules aren't really necessary. Industry lobbyists are arguing that a computer simulation developed by FEMA is a more effective way of predicting possible seismic risks than simple inspections. FEMA's program takes into account variables such as soil conditions, proximity to earthquake faults and the area's history of seismic activity. If the move succeeds, many hospitals in the state will have until 2030 to make changes. Under the current rules, hospitals considered at risk of collapse must be replaced by 2008. California healthcare unions are decrying the proposal, calling it an attempt to "cry wolf."
- see this article from the Sacramento Bee