Rural Clinic HVAC

[David Wentling]

Greetings,

Not sure is this list is the best place to ask this question, but I know there are many valuable resources here that might guide me.

I live in a rural community of New Mexico that recently built a new healthcare clinic. The State does not have very high energy efficient building regulations, except for several large towns with local regulations. 

In the healthcare clinic, the HVAC system has ducted supply to each exam room and office, with return grilles in the ceiling to an open ceiling return plenum. The mechanical room is open above to the roof insulation and has an open return duct sucking from the ceiling plenum.

To me this HVAC duct design does not appear to be very energy efficient, nor appropriate for a healthcare setting. 

First, you can hear conversations in exam rooms via the open ceiling plenum system. Seems to violate health privacy rules. Is this typically found in today’s construction?

Second, the ceiling plenum would need to be 100% airtight to prevent drawing in air via bypasses from the roof cavity. That separation is simply the foil taped underside of the R39 insulation batts. Any bypass could draw 180F air from below the metal roof into the negative pressure ceiling plenum.  Over time I can imagine the foil tape failing. One can see fresh air and combustion piping penetrating this barrier with visible holes, due to poor construction and inspection.  Is this design typically found in construction today?

Third, I see a standard 1” fiberglass air filter to remove large particles, though no HEPA or UV for cleaning potential contaminates. One can only imagine the virus transfer through the building. What type of filtration is typical found in today's healthcare HVAC systems? 

Before I raise concerns to the healthcare clinic’s board, I want to better understand best practice and minimum code. Hoping I can lean on this group to guide me.

Thank you. 
David