Texas Administrative Code
Title 25 - HEALTH SERVICES
Part 1 - DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES
Chapter 137 - BIRTHING CENTERS
Subchapter D - OPERATIONAL AND CLINICAL STANDARDS FOR THE PROVISION AND COORDINATION OF TREATMENT AND SERVICES
Section 137.36 - Physical and Environmental Requirements for Centers
Current through Reg. 49, No. 38; September 20, 2024
The physical and environmental requirements for a center are as follows.
(1) The center shall be located within a recommended 20 minutes but with a required maximum of 30 minutes normal driving time of a referral hospital. The department may approve the location of a center that is located a further distance away if the department finds that the health and safety of the clients of the center will not be adversely affected.
(2) The center must have the capacity to provide clients with liquid nourishment. The center may provide commercially packaged food to clients in individual servings. If other food is provided by the center, it will be subject to the requirements of Chapter 228 of this title (relating to Retail Food).
(3) The center must have a safe and sanitary environment equipped and maintained to protect the health and safety of clients and staff.
(4) The center shall provide clean hand washing facilities for clients and staff including running water and soap.
(5) The center must have two functioning sinks and one toilet.
(6) The center must be equipped with emergency lighting and have a written fire and disaster plan.
(7) The center must have equipment available to sterilize instruments, equipment, and supplies before reuse in the center in accordance with § 137.37 of this title (relating to Infection Control Standards).
