Louisiana Administrative Code
Title 48 - PUBLIC HEALTH-GENERAL
Part I - General Administration
Subpart 3 - Licensing and Certification
Chapter 93 - Hospitals
Subchapter U - Alternative Birthing Units
Section I-9553 - Definitions
Active Labor-contractions resulting in progressive effacement and dilation of the cervix.
Alternative Birthing Unit (ABU)-a unit located within a hospital in which delivery is expected following a low risk, normal, and uncomplicated pregnancy. Care and services provided prior to, during, and following childbirth are under the direction of a certified nurse midwife.
Antepartum Care (Prenatal Care)-occurring or existing before birth. The prenatal period (also known as antenatal care) refers to the regular medical and nursing care recommended for women during pregnancy. Prenatal care is a type of preventative care with the goal of providing regular check-ups that allow doctors or certified nurse midwives to treat and prevent potential health problems throughout the course of the pregnancy.
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)-an advanced practice registered nurse educated in the disciplines of nursing and midwifery and certified according to a nationally recognized certifying body, such as the American College of Nurse Midwives Certification Council, as approved by the Board, and who is authorized to manage the nurse midwifery care of newborns and women in the antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum and/or gynecological periods pursuant to Title 46, Part XLVII, Chapter 45, §4503. B.1 et seq.
Complications-any condition as defined by the medical staff/governing body that contraindicates continued care in the alternative birthing center.
Doula-a nonmedical person, certified by Doula of North America (DONA) who assists a woman before, during or after childbirth, as well as her partner and/or family, by providing information, physical assistance and emotional support.
Family-individuals selected by the pregnant woman to be present and/or in attendance during her admission to the ABU.
Intrapartum-the period beginning with active labor to the expulsion of the placenta.
Licensed Practitioner-for purposes of this Rule refers to a licensed physician and/or a certified nurse midwife.
Low Risk Pregnancy-a normal uncomplicated term pregnancy as determined by a generally accepted course of prenatal care. The expectation of a normal uncomplicated birth as shall be defined by the medical staff/governing body.
Medical Director-a physician licensed to practice medicine by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME), who is board certified as an obstetrician and gynecologist (OB/GYN) and credentialed and privileged for the hospital's obstetrical/gynecological services.
Postmature-gestational age of greater than 42 weeks.
Postpartum-the period beginning immediately after childbirth.
Preterm-prior to the thirty-seventh week of gestation.
Term-gestational age of greater or equal to 37 weeks.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 40:2100-2115.
