Mississippi Administrative Code
Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES
Part 7 - Division of Family & Children Services Licensing Requirements
Chapter 1 - Licensing Requirements Manual for Residential Child Caring and Child Placing Agencies
Section 18-7-1-VIII - REQUIREMENTS FOR MATERNITY HOMES

Universal Citation: MS Code of Rules 18-7-1-VIII

Current through September 24, 2024

The requirements for Residential/Group Home which pertain to the care of children prescribed under other sections of this document shall be followed. In addition, there shall be compliance with the following specific requirements for maternity homes. (MS Code § 43-15-103(k) See Appendix)

A. Staffing Requirements:

1. The maternity home shall provide a staff/child ratio of one (1) staff member to every five (5) females.

2. During sleeping hours, at least one staff member shall be awake.

3. A maternity home caring for young children and infants shall provide a ratio of at least one staff member to five (5) children. When mothers are not participating in the care, one staff member to four (4) infants shall be in effect.

4. A maternity home shall have, on the premises or otherwise readily available at all times, a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.

5. A maternity home shall obtain consultation from a licensed practicing physician concerning medical plans and a program of medical care for the mothers and their children.

B. Staff Development:

The maternity home shall provide training for the staff which includes:

1.Medical, physical and psychological implications of pregnancy

2. Developmental needs of adolescents and infants

3. Information on legal options available to young mothers.

C. Admission and Planning:

1. The maternity home shall accept an applicant without prejudice based on her age, race, marital status, plans for the child, prior pregnancies or stage of pregnancy.

2. The maternity home shall require a complete medical examination including obstetrical information and findings prior to admission.

3. The maternity home shall compile a family medical and social history on the expectant mother and father (if available).

D. Care and Services:

1. Direct Services:

The maternity home shall provide counseling services for the young mothers, their families, the father of the child and significant others. The counseling services shall include:

a. Preparation for delivery of the baby

b. Decision making in relation to the child

c. Help to the mother with family, peer and other significant relationships

d. Employment/education planning

e. Legal rights and obligations of birth parents in relation to parenthood, relinquishment of baby or termination of pregnancies

f. Living arrangements

g. Preparation for parenthood and family life for mothers keeping their babies

h. Adoption counseling for those mothers planning to relinquish their babies for adoption

i. Socialization and support opportunities for single parents

2. Health Services:
a.Each expectant mother and infant shall be under the medical supervision of a licensed physician.

b. Following delivery, each young mother shall be given medical and nursing supervision and allowed an adequate period for recovery. The length of this period and the continued limitation of activities shall be determined by the physician.

c. A post-natal examination shall be made by a licensed physician before discharge from the maternity home.

d. The maternity home shall have agreements with clinics and hospitals for obstetrical and related services.

3. Termination of Services and Aftercare:
a.The maternity home shall discharge infants only to their parent(s), guardian, or the Department.

b. The Department's Child Protective Services shall be notified if the infant's safety is a concern.

c. The maternity home shall have a written policy that young mothers seeking adoptive placement for their infants shall be referred to a licensed child placing agency or the Department.

d. Aftercare services shall be provided and/or referrals made for mothers leaving the maternity home.

E. Environmental Health and Safety:

1. The maternity home shall provide for diaper disposal or soiled diaper storage in a hygienic manner, as applicable.

2. When mothers and infants sleep in the same room, each room shall have a maximum of one (1) mother and her infant(s) and/or children.

3. Each mother shall have her own bed and each baby have his/her own crib.

F. Furnishings:

1. The maternity home shall have furniture and equipment suitable for infants for feeding, bathing, napping and transportation.

2. The maternity home shall provide supplies necessary for caring for infants such as diapers, wipes and feeding bottles.

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