Rule 3701-83-36 | Service standards - freestanding birthing centers.
(A) Each freestanding birthing center shall provide services that meet the needs of the center's patients and are in accordance with the patient's plan of care. The center shall provide the patient or the patient's representative:
(1) Information regarding the policies, procedures, and philosophy of the center and the services provided at the center;
(2) Information concerning the services to be performed, including the process of pregnancy, process of labor, birth and postpartum care of the mother and the newborn;
(3) Information about immunizations, vaccines, and state of Ohio newborn screening requirements;
(4) Written information about how to obtain appointments and needed services both during and after normal hours of operation; and
(5) Verbal and written instructions for post-treatment care and procedures for obtaining emergency care.
(B) Each center shall develop and follow current care protocols utilizing nationally recognized and accepted standards of care while maintaining the holistic environment. Each center shall maintain a current listing of the procedures and protocols and shall provide services in accordance with the clinical capabilities of the center.
(C) Each center shall provide intrapartum care that requires minimal intervention and technology including:
(1) Observation of maternal vital signs;
(2) Fetal auscultation;
(3) Nourishment;
(4) Activities;
(5) Comfort measures;
(6) Assessment and evaluation of labor; and
(7) Interaction with and support of the family.
(D) Each center shall provide postpartum and newborn care that promotes bonding and includes, at a minimum:
(1) Postpartum care for the mother, including:
(a) Observation and evaluation of maternal condition;
(b) Education and initiation of newborn feeding;
(c) Self-care assessment and education;
(d) Ensuring that the center's discharge criteria for the mother are met; and
(e) Evaluation of the need for, the provision of, and the administration of immunizations or vaccines and Rh immune globin as necessary.
(2) Care for the newborn, including:
(a) Observation and evaluation of the newborn's condition;
(b) Ensuring that the center's discharge criteria for the newborn are met; and
(c) Evaluation of the need for, the provision of, and the administration of immunizations, vaccines, and screening as necessary or required.
(E) Each center shall respond to medical emergencies that may arise in the provision of services to patients, including emergency cardiac care.
Last updated August 1, 2023 at 2:30 PM
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