Louisiana Administrative Code
Title 48 - PUBLIC HEALTH-GENERAL
Part I - General Administration
Subpart 3 - Licensing and Certification
Chapter 67 - Free-Standing Birth Centers
Subchapter G - Physical Environment
Section I-6793 - General Requirements

Universal Citation: LA Admin Code I-6793

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024

A. The standards in this Subchapter shall apply to any FSBC constructed after the effective date of this rule, or an FSBC that makes alterations, additions, or substantial rehabilitation to an existing FSBC or adaptation of an existing building to create an FSBC. Cosmetic changes to the FSBC such as painting, flooring replacement, or minor repairs shall not be considered an alteration or substantial rehabilitation.

EXCEPTION: For those applicants for FSBC licensure who received plan review approval from the OSFM before the effective date of the promulgation of this Rule, or who have begun construction or renovation of an existing building before the effective date of the promulgation of this Rule, the physical environment requirements of §6793 shall not apply.

B. An applicant for an FSBC license shall furnish one complete set of architectural plans and specifications to the entity/office designated by the department to review and approve the facility's architectural plans and the OSFM.

1. The office designated by the department to review and approve architectural drawings and specifications and the OSFM shall review and approve the Life Safety Code plans before construction can begin.

2. When the plans and specifications have been reviewed and all inspections and investigations have been made, the applicant will be notified whether the plans for the proposed FSBC have been approved.

C. No alterations, other than minor alternations, shall be made to existing facilities without the prior written approval of, and in accordance with, architectural plans and specifications approved in advance by the department, or its designee, and the OSFM.

D. All new construction, additions and renovations, other than minor alterations, shall be in accordance with the specific requirements of the OSFM and the department, or its designee, who shall be responsible for the review and approval of architectural plans. Plans and specifications submitted to these offices shall be prepared by or under the direction of a licensed architect and/or a qualified licensed engineer and shall include scaled architectural plans stamped by an architect.

E. All designs and construction shall be in accordance with the provisions of LAC Title 51, Public Health- Sanitary Code.

F. Waivers

1. The secretary of the department or their designee may, within their sole discretion, grant waivers to building and construction guidelines. The facility shall submit a waiver request in writing to the HSS. The facility shall demonstrate how patient safety and the quality of care offered is not compromised by the waiver. The facility shall demonstrate their ability to completely fulfill all other requirements of the service. The department will make a written determination of the request. Waivers are not transferable in an ownership change, and are subject to review or revocation upon any change in circumstances related to the waiver. The facility does not have the right to an administrative appeal in regards to the denial or revocation of any waiver.

2. - 3. Repealed.

G. Facility within a Facility

1. If more than one healthcare provider occupies the same building, premises, or physical location, all treatment facilities and administrative offices for each healthcare facility shall be clearly separated from the other by a clearly defined and recognizable boundary.

2. There shall be clearly identifiable and distinguishable signs posted inside the building as well as signs posted on the outside of the building for public identification of the FSBC. Compliance with the provisions of R.S. 40:2007 shall be required.

3. An FSBC that is located within a building that is also occupied by one or more other businesses and/or other healthcare facilities shall have all licensed spaces and rooms of the FSBC contiguous to each other and defined by cognizable boundaries.

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 36:254 and R.S. 40:2180.21-2180.28.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Louisiana 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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