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-.15 - Physical Plant and Operational Standards

Universal Citation: GA Rules and Regs r 111-8-7-.15

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through September 23, 2024

The following minimum physical plant and operational standards shall be met:

(a) The center shall provide sufficient space and equipment for patient and visitor waiting area, examination and treatment rooms, birth rooms, special care capability, and for staff and administrative areas. Birthrooms shall each have at least 100 square feet of area, exclusive of bathroom, toilet or entry way, and be designed and located to prevent traffic through them to any other part of the center.

(b) The Department may deny the center a permit if it does not comply with Federal, State and local laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations which apply to its location, construction, maintenance and operation.

(c) It shall be the responsibility of the governing body to assure that the center is in a safe condition at all times, and that a fire inspection record is maintained on equipment, systems, and areas that may present a hazard to occupants.

(d) Fire and internal disaster drills shall be conducted at least quarterly and the time of the drill and results documented.

(e) In addition to requirements specified herein, and those required by local ordinances or regulations, the construction of a birth center shall meet the requirements of the Georgia Safety Fire Commissioner, Chapter 120-3-3,* March 1, 1979, and subsequent revisions thereto. Applications for licensure shall be accompanied by written evidence that these requirements have been met.

(f) Entrances for patients shall be connected to the public right-of-way by a hard-surfaced, unobstructed walkway in good repair. Access for handicapped individuals shall be provided at a minimum of one entrance. A hard-surfaced, unobstructed road or driveway for use by ambulances or other emergency vehicles shall run from at least one entrance of the building to the public right-of-way. The doorway of such entrance shall be immediately adjacent to the road or driveway. If such doorway is not on the same level as the road, a ramp shall provide a continuous, unobstructed plane to the entrance.

(g) Services provided in multi-story buildings shall be accessible by an elevator of adequate size to accommodate a standard wheeled litter patient and two attendants. Multi-story buildings will be considered to have met this requirement when patients are located only on ground level floors with outside exits. A stairway or ramp of adequate dimensions shall be available for transfer of patients in case of power failure.

*EDITORIAL NOTE: A copy of said Chapter 120-3-3, Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, was filed with former Chapter 290-5-41 and is on file with same in the Office of Secretary of State.

(h) The birth center shall be constructed, equipped, and maintained to assure the safety of patients and personnel. The following requirements shall apply within the center:

1. Birth rooms shall be designed and located to prevent traffic through them to any other part of the center.

2. The walls and floors of birth rooms, examination rooms and staff dressing and scrub areas shall be of material that will permit frequent washing and cleaning.

3. Staff dressing rooms and scrub facilities shall be convenient to the birth rooms, and shall include a knee, elbow, wrist or foot operated sink soap dispenser and brushes.

4. Toilet and handwashing facilities shall be accessible to patients from the birth room. Convenient handwashing facilities shall be provided for both staff and patient and shall be provided with soap dispenser and individual or disposable towels. The use of common towels is prohibited

5. The center shall be arranged and organized in such a manner as to ensure the comfort, safety, hygiene, privacy and dignity of patients treated therein.

6. A clean up room for equipment shall be provided.

7. The center shall have an audible alarm system with control switches in all birth rooms which can be activated during an emergency.

8. The center shall have special care capability which includes but is not necessarily limited to the following, for both adults and infants: resuscitation equipment, intravenous solutions, drugs, oxygen, suction, infant stethoscope and transfer isolette. Such emergency equipment shall be provided on each floor on which patients are served.

9. Each birth room shall have an infant resuscitation tray with a laryngoscope, positive pressure bag and mask and endotracheal tubes.

(i) The center shall provide space and facilities for administrative activities, including offices, medical records and other files and storage of supplies.

(j) A waiting room and patient admissions area(s) shall be provided. There shall also be space for storage of personal belongings of staff, patients and visitors.

(k) The center shall have adequate and conveniently located toilets and handwashing facilities for its staff, employees, patients and visitors.

O.C.G.A. § 31-2-4; O.C.G.A. § 31-7-1; O.C.G.A. Chapter 31-7, Article 1.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Georgia may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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