Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 111 - RULES OF DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH › Chapter 111-8 - HEALTHCARE FACILITY REGULATION › Subject 111-8-40 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR HOSPITALS › Rule 111-8-40-.34 - Maternal and Newborn Services

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
(1) No later than 90 days after the effective
				date of these rules, if the hospital offers an organized service for the
				provision of care for expectant mothers and newborns, it shall clearly define
				the level of services provided according to the levels described in these rules
				(basic, intermediate, or intensive) and comply with the rules set forth in this
				section.
(a) The hospital shall establish and
				utilize admission criteria for the maternal and newborn services that reflect
				the level of services offered by the hospital.
(b) The hospital shall have established
				mechanisms, through written agreement and other arrangement, for transfers to
				or consultations with facilities providing services at the higher levels of
				care for those maternal and newborn patients who require such care. The
				agreements or arrangements shall ensure that there is collaboration between the
				sending and receiving hospital concerning the transfer of such patients prior
				to the actual need for transfer and shall include mechanisms for the
				communication of information regarding the outcome of each transfer and for
				periodic review of the agreements or arrangements.
(c) All hospitals offering obstetrical care
				shall have facilities, staff, and equipment necessary for delivery, management,
				and stabilization of expectant women who present at the hospital in active
				labor and for whom delivery is imminent, regardless of the level of care
				anticipated for the newborn. The hospital shall have in place a system for
				communication and consultation with a board certified obstetrician or
				maternal-fetal medicine specialist and a board certified neonatologist for
				situations where transport of high-risk patients prior to delivery is not
				feasible.
(d) The hospital shall
				establish a system for receipt of prenatal records for admissions to the
				maternal and newborn service other than emergency admissions to include the
				results of any routine laboratory tests as required by the hospital.
(e) The hospital shall have written plans and
				procedures for transfer of expectant mothers or newborns presenting at the
				hospital who exceed the criteria for admission, which shall include mechanisms
				for accessing transportation appropriate to the needs of the
				patient(s).
(f) The hospital shall
				include in the internal quality management program a systematic review of the
				admissions and transfers for maternal and newborn services, with comparison to
				the established admission criteria, which shall prompt corrective action when
				indicated.
(g) With the exception
				of hospitals permitted as specialized children's hospitals, hospitals shall
				offer a level of services for maternal care comparable to the level of services
				offered for neonatal care.