(a) Alterations to existing buildings licensed as hospitals or new constructions shall be in conformance with Chapter 1, Division T17, Part 6, Title 24, California Administrative Code.

(b) Hospitals licensed and in operation prior to the effective date of changes in these regulations shall not be required to institute corrective alterations or construction to comply with such changes except where specifically required or where the Department determines that a definite hazard to health and safety exists. Any hospital for which preliminary or working drawings and specifications have been approved by the Department prior to the effective date of changes to these regulations shall not be required to comply with such changes provided substantial, actual construction is commenced within one year after the effective date of such changes.