South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Subchapter 61-16 - Minimum Standards for Licensing Hospitals and Institutional General Infirmaries
Sec2 61-16.1300 - PERINATAL SERVICES
Section 61-16.1305 - Perinatal Organization

A. Each hospital providing perinatal services shall request designation as a Level I, II, III, or IV perinatal hospital, or regional perinatal center (RPC) by letter to the Department. Initially, a hospital shall demonstrate capability to comply with requirements of a particular designation by submitting to the Department documentation pertaining to the request for desired designation. For licensure renewals, along with maintaining compliance with the requirements of Section 1306, the hospital shall have birth weight-specific neonatal mortality data readily available for Department review relative to hospitals in the state of the same designation.

B. Each Level I, II, III, and IV hospital shall maintain and document a relationship with its designated RPC for consultation, transport and continuing education. All patients shall be transferred to the appropriate RPC when medically appropriate, if beds are available. This agreement/relationship shall include the ability to share data, as appropriate, related to these functions.

C. Labor and delivery shall occur in a hospital capable of meeting the expected needs of both the mother and the neonate. Ongoing risk assessment shall occur to determine the appropriate level of care.