Book excerpt: Planning, Design, and Construction of Health Care Facilities, Second Edition, an updated version of a Joint Commission Resources best seller, is a comprehensive guide for health care organizations around the world that are looking to build new facilities - or update their current structures - in compliance with Joint Commission, Joint Commission International, and other recognized standards of health care design excellence. A wealth of strategies, tools, and real-world experiences of organizations around the globe supply the reader with the building blocks they need for success with their new facility or existing structure. Planning, Design, and Construction of Health Care Facilities, Second Edition assesses the challenges, compliance issues, and the need for a holistic approach to the design and function of health care facilities; and this new edition, readers receive valuable online resources in support of the printed material, including customizable tools they can use immediately in their organization.