Code of Massachusetts Regulations
105 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Title 105 CMR 130.000 - Hospital Licensure
Subpart D - SUPPLEMENTARY STANDARDS: PARTICULAR SERVICES
Section 130.811 - Staffing

Universal Citation: 105 CMR 130.000 MA Code of Regs 130.811

Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024

A birth center shall have adequate, trained staff who are licensed as required are available at all times to meet the needs of its patients, including but not limited to:

(A) Director of the Birth Center.

(1) A birth center shall have a director who shall be responsible to the facility administrator for the operation and maintenance of the center.

(2) The director must be a certified nurse-midwife, or an obstetrician or family practitioner with obstetrical privileges in a nearby hospital licensed in Massachusetts or operated by the Commonwealth.

(B) Director of Medical Affairs.

(1) A birth center shall have a Director of Medical Affairs who shall be an obstetrician or gynecologist with full obstetrical privileges at a nearby hospital.

(2) The Director of Medical Affairs shall be responsible for advising and consulting with the medical staff of the birth center on all matters related to medical management of pregnancy, birth, post-partum, newborn and gynecologic health care including policies, procedures and protocols that are outside the scope of midwifery practice.

(C) Required Staffing at Births.

(1) Birth Attendant. A certified nurse-midwife, or an obstetrician or family practitioner with obstetrical privileges in the parent or nearby hospital shall attend each woman in labor from the time of admission; during labor; during the birth; and through the immediate postpartum period. Such attendance may be delegated only to another certified nurse midwife or physician.

(2) Birth Assistant. A second staff person shall also be present at each birth. The second staff person must be either a nurse-midwife, or a licensed nurse.

(3) Licensed nurses functioning as a birth assistant must have labor and delivery experience within the past year that includes through training or experience in:
(a) full adult and infant resuscitation;

(b) assessing the phases and stages of labor;

(c) psychology and physiology of labor and delivery; and

(d) equipment and supplies used for labor and delivery.

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