Section 22-B2609. FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

 

2609.1Each maternity center shall be configured to have, at a minimum, a reception and waiting area, a kitchen, bath facilities, birth rooms, examination rooms, a secure record storage area, and utility and laundry facilities. Each maternity center shall also be equipped with a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system in good working order. Each maternity center shall be illuminated by normal household lighting in common areas, adequate examination lights in the birth rooms, and provisions for automatic emergency lighting during a power failure.

 

2609.2The reception or waiting area shall be adequate to meet the needs of patients and their families for space and comfort.

 

2609.3The kitchen shall include a refrigerator, range, sink, storage cabinets, disposable dishware and eating utensils, and counter space for the convenience of patient's families to prepare snacks.

 

2609.4Birth rooms shall be located so as to provide unimpeded rapid access to an exit of the building where emergency transportation vehicles may be accommodated. Each birth room shall be a minimum of 120 square feet, and designed to accommodate:

 

(a)A bed large enough to safely accommodate mother and baby;

 

(b)At least three persons, other than the mother and baby;

 

(c)A sufficient number of chairs to accommodate all in attendance;

 

(d)A bassinet;

 

(e)A designated space for birth room supplies; and

 

(f)A sink with hot and cold running water in or adjacent to the room.

 

2609.5Permanent toilet facilities equipped with grab bars shall be provided in each room where labor is permitted. Separate toilet facilities shall be provided for patient's family and personnel of the maternity center.

 

2609.6Bath or shower facilities, with grab bars, shall be provided to each laboring mother within the patient's room or immediately adjacent thereto.

 

2609.7Utility and storage facilities shall be provided for washing, sterilizing, storage, and other handling of equipment, linens, and medical supplies. Clean linen, sterile supplies, and equipment shall be separated from those that are soiled and/or contaminated.

 

2609.8Offices for the provision of antepartum and well-woman care shall be distinctly separate from the birth areas.

 

2609.9Areas for record storage, administrative staff, and minor laboratory tests shall be provided in space separate and distinct from public areas.

 

2609.10Furnishings shall be constructed of materials that are fire retardant (or are made so) and can be easily cleaned with appropriate antiseptic solutions.

 

2609.11Each maternity center shall be equipped with a washer and dryer maintained in good working order.

 

2609.12Each maternity center shall be equipped with the following items that shall be maintained in working order in an area convenient for emergency application, and a record of periodic maintenance checks documenting functional competency and availability for each item kept on the premises of the maternity center:

 

(a)Portable infant equipment for transfer which shall provide for at least heat regulation, oxygen administration, and infant resuscitation;

 

(b)Warming devices shall be available so that adequate heat regulation of each newborn infant can be achieved;

 

(c)Equipment for adult intravenous fluid administration and adult and infant resuscitation;

 

(d)Oxygen for emergency use which shall be stored according to directions on the tank and consistent with § F-2401.0 of the Fire Prevention Code;

 

(e)Diagnostic equipment, including a microscope, a sphygmomanometer, adult, fetal and infant auscultation equipment, infant and adult airways; and

 

(f)Sterilization equipment.

 

source

Notice of Final Rulemaking published at 46 DCR 2779 (March 19, 1999); as amended by Corrected Notice of Final Rulemaking published at 46 DCR 3970 (April 30, 1999).