California Code of Regulations
Title 22 - Social Security
Division 5 - Licensing and Certification of Health Facilities, Home Health Agencies, Clinics, and Referral Agencies
Chapter 1 - General Acute Care Hospitals
Article 6 - Supplemental Services
Section 70537 - Pediatric Service General Requirements

(a) There shall be written policies and procedures developed and maintained by the person responsible for the service in consultation with other appropriate health professionals and administration. These policies and procedures shall be based upon the standards and recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (Care of Children in Hospitals, 1971). Policies shall be approved by the governing body. Procedures shall be approved by the medical staff and administration where such is appropriate. These policies and procedures shall include but not be limited to:

(b) The responsibility and the accountability of the pediatric service to the medical staff and administration shall be defined.

(c) A pediatric nursing unit shall be provided if the hospital has eight or more licensed pediatric beds.

(d) Patients beyond the age of 13 shall not be admitted to or cared for in spaces approved for pediatric beds unless approved by the pediatrician in unusual circumstances and the reason documented in the patient's medical record.

(e) An activity program appropriate to the needs of the patients and the scope of the service shall be provided. Participation in such program shall be with the approval of the attending physician. The activity program shall be under the direction of a designated member of the hospital staff.

(f) The hospital shall inform the parent or guardian as soon as possible of any accident affecting the child.

(g) Periodically, an appropriate committee of the medial staff shall evaluate the services provide and make appropriate recommendations to the executive committee of the medical staff and administration.