Rule 3701-83-37 | Admission; discharge; transfer - freestanding birthing centers.
(A) Each freestanding birthing center shall establish policies and procedures for the assessment of expectant mothers to determine:
(1) If the expectant mother meets the low-risk requirements for admission to the center; and
(2) If a normal, full term, spontaneous vaginal birth is anticipated.
(B) Each center shall establish and follow admission policies and procedures. The center shall upon admission of a patient:
(1) Review the patient's health records;
(2) Observe and document vital signs;
(3) Observe and document labor progress; and
(4) Determine whether diagnostic or screening procedures are required.
(C) Each center shall have a written transfer agreement with a hospital for the transfer of a mother or a newborn in the event of medical complications, emergency situations, or as the need arises.
(D) Each center shall maintain all necessary and appropriate medical equipment and a sufficient staff to provide for the timely transfer and transport to a hospital.
(E) Each center shall evaluate each expectant mother to determine whether an intrapartum transfer is necessary. The evaluation shall include an assessment of the following:
(1) Abnormal progress of labor;
(2) Development of maternal complications;
(3) Need for cesarean birth; and
(4) Development of fetal complications.
(F) Each center shall evaluate each mother and newborn to determine whether a postpartum transfer is necessary including evaluation of the following:
(1) Medical complications of the mother; and
(2) Medical complications of the newborn.
(G) Each center shall establish and follow discharge criteria utilizing nationally recognized standards. Prior to discharge each center shall identify a primary care provider for both mother and baby. For postpartum stays less than forty-eight hours, each center shall provide or arrange for the examination of the mother and newborn within seventy-two hours after discharge by a licensed health care provider acting within their scope of practice.
Last updated July 15, 2022 at 9:48 AM
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