This is an introduction to communications systems for medical facilities such as hospitals and clinics. It is intended to introduce engineers and other members of the building design and construction team to terminology, concepts, systems and practices. Medical facilities use various integrated voice data, imaging, information, electronic security and telemedicine systems to provide quality healthcare, and those discussed here are for illustration purposes only. Here is what is discussed: 1. INTRODUCTION, 2. COMMUNICATION DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES, 3. TELEPHONE SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS, 4. TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM (TIS), 5. DEDICATED INTERCOM SYSTEM, 6. ENTERTAINMENT AND EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION (TV) SYSTEM, 7. RADIO FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM, 8. NURSE CALL TONE VISUAL (NCTV) SYSTEMS, 9. NURSE CALL AUDIOVISUAL (NCAV) SYSTEMS, 10. PUBLIC ADDRESS (PA) AND PROGRAM DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM, 11. RADIO PAGING SYSTEMS, 12. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE (EMS) COMMUNICATIONS, 13. PHYSIOLOGICAL MONITORING, 14. SPECIAL MONITORING EQUIPMENT, 15. ELECTRONIC SECURITY SYSTEMS, 16. EMS RECORDER SYSTEM