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-6795 - General Appearance and Space Requirements

Universal Citation: LA Admin Code I-6795

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

A. The FSBC shall be constructed, arranged, and maintained to ensure the safety and well-being of the clients and the general public it serves in accordance with the current Facility Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospitals and Outpatient Facilities approved by the OSFM.

B. The FSBC shall have a minimum of two birthing rooms to meet the needs of the clients being served. In addition to the birthing rooms, the FSBC may also have one or more treatment rooms.

C. The location of the birthing rooms within the FSBC, and the access to it, shall conform to professionally accepted standards of practice, particularly for infection control, with respect to the movement of people, equipment and supplies in and out of the birthing rooms.

1. The location shall have a working heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system that is monitored and adjusted according to the needs of the client.

D. Birthing Rooms

1. The birthing rooms shall be constructed in accordance with the current OSFM approved standards.

2. The area of the birthing rooms shall be in a segregated and secured section of the FSBC and shall be removed from general lines of traffic of both visitors and other FSBC personnel, and from other departments to prevent traffic through them.

3. The birthing rooms shall be appropriately equipped to safely provide for the needs of the client and in accordance with accepted clinical practices. The birthing rooms shall consist of a clear and unobstructed floor area to accommodate the equipment and personnel required, allowing for aseptic technique. Only one birthing procedure shall be performed in a birthing room.

E. There shall be sufficient space between and around lounge chairs/stretchers and between fixed surfaces and lounge chairs/stretchers to allow for clinical staff access to each client.

F. The FSBC shall have a separate waiting area sufficient in size to provide adequate seating space for family members and/or guests of the client.

G. The FSBC shall meet the following requirements including, but not limited to:

1. a sign shall be posted on the exterior of the FSBC that can be viewed by the public which shall contain, at a minimum, the "doing business as" name that is stated on the FSBC's license issued by the department;

2. signs or notices shall be prominently posted in the FSBC stipulating that smoking is prohibited in all areas of the FSBC;

3. policies and procedures shall be developed for maintaining a clean and sanitary environment at all times;

4. there shall be sufficient storage space for all supplies and equipment. Storage space shall be located away from foot traffic, provide for the safe separation of items, and prevent overhead and floor contamination;

5. all client care equipment shall be clean and in working order. Appropriate inspections of client care equipment shall be maintained according to manufacturer's recommendations and FSBC policies and procedures; and

6. each FSBC shall provide for a well-marked, illuminated entrance for drop off and/or pick up of clients before and after delivery services are complete.

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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