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 111-8-7 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR BIRTH CENTERS › Rule 111-8-7-.08 - Professional Services

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
(1) All services provided by or in the center
				shall be performed by persons who are appropriately licensed or certified to
				perform such services in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia.
				There shall be qualified staff members to provide for patient needs. At least
				one physician, certified nurse midwife or registered nurse shall be present at
				all times that the facility is open whenever a patient (mother or new born) is
				in the facility.
(2) All services
				shall occur within a health care system which provides for medical
				consultation, collaborative management or referral.
(3) All intrapartal services shall be under
				the direct supervision of a physician or a certified nurse midwife. At least
				one other member of the professional staff shall also be present at each
				delivery.
(4) The center shall
				establish written policies and procedures for emergency services to patients
				and shall require each professional staff member to receive instruction in
				emergency treatment of adult and infant patients, upon employment and at least
				annually thereafter.
(5) Each
				medical staff member shall have admitting privileges or a written agreement
				with a staff physician to provide services at the contract hospital.
				Documentation to show compliance with this requirement shall be maintained in
				the center.
(6) Definite means of
				identification shall be applied to every infant immediately after birth. Such
				identification shall remain on the infant until discharged. The permanent
				records of each newborn shall include footprints.
(7) The center shall have written policies
				and procedures to ensure (a) metabolic screening of all newborns within one
				week of age, (b) assessment of newborn status, including Apgar score at one and
				five minutes, (c) prevention of eye infection, (d) umbilical cord care, and (e)
				periodic observation and assessment after birth until the infant's condition is
				stable. These policies shall be developed in consultation with a
				pediatrician.
(8) Policies,
				procedures and facilities shall be provided for proper collection, storage and
				laboratory testing of cord blood for necessary studies on Rh Negative and O
				Positive mothers and a supply of Rhogam or other appropriate treatment material
				shall be readily available for use when needed.
(9) Prior to discharge, each newborn shall be
				examined by a physician.
(10)
				Verbal and written instructions shall be provided for observation and care of
				both the mother and newborn after discharge.
(11) A joint conference involving physicians,
				nurses, representatives of administration and other health personnel
				responsible for obstetric and newborn care shall be conducted at least
				quarterly to discuss morbidity and mortality. All fetal and newborn deaths and
				transfers occurring within the interval since the previous conference shall be
				reviewed. Minutes shall be kept of the meetings and shall be available to the
				Department.
O.C.G.A. §
											31-2-4; O.C.G.A. §
											31-7-1; O.C.G.A. Chapter 31-7,
				  Article 1.