South Dakota Administrative Rules
Title 44 - Department of Health
Article 44:69 - Birth centers
Chapter 44:69:07 - Medication control
Section 44:69:07:01 - Pharmaceutical services

(1) There shall be written orders signed by a practitioner legally authorized to prescribe for all drugs administered to mother and infant within the birth center;

(2) There shall be policies and procedures addressing the receiving, transcribing, issuance, storage, control, accountability, administration, and disposal of medications or drugs in each birth center;

(3) Each birth center shall keep a list of the following in the drug storage area for reference:

(4) Written policies shall be established addressing the type and intended use of any drug to be used by clients within the birth center;

(5) Drugs, medications, biologicals, and chemicals kept in the birth center shall be labeled with the drug name, strength, and expiration date;

(6) Drug cabinets shall be accessible only to the nurse in charge, the practitioner, or the pharmacist. All drugs controlled pursuant to SDCL chapter 34-20 B shall be kept in a securely locked box, accessible only to the nurse in charge, the practitioner, or the pharmacist;

(7) Each birth center having narcotics shall maintain a narcotic administration record so the disposition of any particular controlled substance can be readily traced. The date, time administered, name of administering practitioner or nurse, the name and strength of the narcotic, the name of the client, and the balance remaining shall be documented in the record;

(8) Drugs may not be stored in a refrigerator used for food storage for clients, families, and employees;

(9) Anesthetic agents and techniques to be used in any birth center shall be determined by its governing board;

(10) General and conduction anesthesia may not be administered at the birth center. Local anesthesia for pudendal block and episiotomy repair may be performed if procedures are outlined by the clinical staff. Systemic analgesia may be administered but pain control should depend primarily on close emotional support and adequate preparation for the birth experience;

(11) Drugs shall be administered only by personnel or staff licensed to administer drugs;

(12) The birth center shall be in conformance with any applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to drug and to controlled substances;

(13) A physician, pharmacist, or certified nurse midwife shall be responsible for the supervision of drug stocks in the birth center; and

(14) Self-administration of medications may not be permitted by clients admitted to the birth center.