Will be doing some engineering work on an eye care clinic, most probably an optometrist. My opinion is that Article 517 applies to the areas where the patient is being examined. The construction is going to be wood frame. Wanted to head off the use of Romex in those areas if this was the case. Wanted to get input from my peers to confirm or correct my interpretation of the Code if I'm wrong. Thanks

Yer Right. Read 517 Definitions & 517.10
I;d Say redundant equipment Grounds, AC cable or EMT, I usually tell them Enought light to finih the task at Hand and safely exit the building (Battery Back up lighting is fine).

In my home county they will not allow us to split up the area and use the MC in patient areas and RX in the admin areas. The opinion is that at some time in the future, when the office is remodeled, some admin area (non MC) will become a patient area. They don't push the multiple circuit rules in the admin areas, but they prohibit RX in any way in the office.

Hey Steve, ya know, it occurs to me that they're right. In fact, there are some old homes in the downtown area of my town that have been converted to various medical offices. So, really, you should assume that anything you build might eventually become a patient area, and wire everything according to the 517 specs.

[/sarcasm]

(BTW, this blast of venom is directed at your "home county" folks, not you )