Louisiana Administrative Code
Title 48 - PUBLIC HEALTH-GENERAL
Part I - General Administration
Subpart 3 - Licensing and Certification
Chapter 93 - Hospitals
Subchapter V - Newborn Safety Devices
Section I-9573 - General Provisions

Universal Citation: LA Admin Code I-9573

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

A. In accordance with the Louisiana Children's Code (La. Ch. Code 1149 et seq.), a parent may leave an infant in a newborn safety device (NSD) that is physically located inside a facility which is licensed as a hospital in accordance with R.S. 40:2100 et seq., and has an emergency department that is staffed 24 hours per day.

B. Each NSD shall meet all of the following specifications:

1. voluntarily installed in the designated hospital;

2. installed in a location that ensures the anonymity of the relinquishing parent;

3. installed in a climate-controlled environment consistent with the internal temperature of the hospital;

4. installed by a licensed contractor in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations;

5. have an access door that locks automatically upon closure when an infant is in the device;

6. have a supporting frame that is anchored so as to align the bed portion of the NSD directly beneath the access door and prevent movement of the unit as a whole; and

7. feature a safe sleep environment which includes a firm, flat bassinet mattress and a sheet that fits snugly on and overlaps the mattress, and is free of pillows, bumpers, blankets and other bedding.

C. The hospital shall post appropriate signage approved by the Department of Children and Family Services at the site of the NSD that clearly identifies the NSD, and provides both written and pictorial instruction to the relinquishing parent to open the access door, place the infant inside the NSD and close the access door to engage the lock. The signage shall also clearly indicate all of the following:

1. the maximum age of the infant who may be relinquished in accordance with the Louisiana Children's Code;

2. that the infant must not have been previously subjected to abuse or neglect; and

3. that by placing an infant in the NSD, a parent is foregoing all parental responsibilities with response to the infant, and is giving consent for the state to take custody of the infant.

D. The hospital shall be responsible for:

1. the cost of the installation of the NSD;

2. installation of an adequate dual alarm system that shall be connected to the physical location of the NSD. The hospital shall ensure all of the following with respect to the alarm system:
a. the alarm system generates an audible alarm at a central location within the facility 60 seconds after the opening of the access door to the NSD;

b. the alarm system generates an automatic call to 911 if the alarm is activated and not turned off from within the hospital less than 60 seconds after the commencement of the initial alarm;

c. the alarm system is tested at least one time per week to ensure that it is in working order; and

d. the alarm system is visually checked at least two times per day to ensure that it is in working order.

3. obtaining Department of Health (LDH), Health Standards Section (HSS) approval prior to the use of the NSD; and

4. submission of written notification to the LDH, HSS of the hospital's intent to implement the use of the device.

E. Prior to use of the NSD, an onsite survey shall be conducted by the LDH, HSS.

F. The hospital shall ensure that the device is checked at least daily for debris and is cleaned and sanitized with a hospital-quality disinfectant at least weekly and after any infant relinquishment into the NSD.

G. The hospital shall maintain documentation of the testing of the alarm system and the cleaning and sanitation of the NSD.

H. The hospital shall install a cardholder adjacent to the NSD and shall keep the cardholder stocked with safe haven informational cards and other safe haven informational materials produced in accordance with La. Ch. Code 1160 and required by the Department of Children and Family Services.

I. The hospital shall develop and implement written policies and procedures that include, but are not limited to, receiving an infant who has been relinquished into the NSD, the use of an adequate NSD alarm system, testing of the NSD alarm system, cleaning of the NSD, documentation, and training of staff responsible for implementing the policies and procedures of the NSD, in accordance with La. Ch. Code 1149 et seq.

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 36:254 and R.S. 40:2100 et seq.

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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