More than fifty years ago, the Illuminating Engineering Society recognized that healthcare facilities have unique and specialized illumination needs, resulting in the publication of the first version of this recommended practice. Since then, the only constant in both the healthcare and lighting arenas has been change. Technological advances (both within the lighting industry and within the medical equipment industry), changing regulations and guidelines, clinical breakthroughs, and philosophical shifts in healthcare delivery models have created a theme of “health for life” for ANSI/IES RP-29-22.

The mission of healthcare facilities is to save lives, enhance lives, and facilitate life’s transitions. Whether as a patient, supportive visitor, caregiver or resident, an encounter with a care environment is almost inevitable in one’s lifetime, and experiences within these settings can be intimidating or joyous, despondent, or hopeful. From an operational standpoint, there are also considerations of the life and longevity of the physical infrastructure, fiscally responsible practices for owning long-term real estate, and sustainable practices. Designers working on healthcare projects have a unique opportunity to positively influence the lives of thousands of people who are in need of help, comfort, and care. The distinctly important nature of designing healthcare facilities places a tremendous responsibility on the practitioner, but it also presents an invaluable chance to make a profound contribution through informed facility design. The authors of this document, therefore, emphatically encourage healthcare designers to unleash their creativity, immerse themselves in relevant subject matter, adopt innovative, evidence-based design approaches and, above all, embrace the opportunities to make a difference, because their work truly matters.