1226.11 Alternative Birthing Clinics

Alternative birthing clinics and outpatient clinical services of a hospital providing services equivalent to alternative birthing clinics shall comply with Sections 1226.4.3 through 1226.4.8 and the provisions of this section:

A birthing room shall have a minimum clear floor area of 200 square feet (18.58 square meters), including the newborn care area. A birthing room shall have a minimum clear dimension of 12 feet (3658 mm). The maximum number of beds per room shall be one.

Birthing rooms shall be located out of the path of unrelated traffic and under direct supervision of the facility staff.

A nurse call system shall be located in the birthing room which will alert the nearest continually staffed administrative center or nurses' station. Refer to Section 1224.4.6.5 for requirements.

A handwashing fixture, as defined in Section 1224.3, shall be located within or directly outside the room. If the fixture is located within the room, the fixture may be screened or within openable casework.

Lighting capable of 1076 lux (100 footcandles) at working surfaces shall be provided. Dimmer switches may be used.

Each birthing room shall have an outside window. Refer to Sections 1224.4.9.4 and 1224.4.9.5.

Windows or doors within a normal sightline that would permit observation into the room shall be arranged or draped, as necessary, for mother and newborn privacy.

When provided, a separate newborn care area shall be provided that is in addition to the birthing room.

When provided, the examination room shall meet the requirements of Section 1224.4.4.

Refer to Section 1226.4.13.1.

Refer to Section 1226.4.13.2.

Refer to Section 1226.4.13.3.

Refer to Section 1226.4.13.4.

Space for storing crash cart shall be provided.

Each birthing room shall have immediate access to a clean-up room with a hand-washing station and work space which is separate from any sterilizing facilities. The clean-up room shall provide 24 square feet (2.23 m²) per birthing room up to eight rooms, with no dimensions less than 6 feet (1829 mm).

Each facility shall have equipment to provide ice for treatments and nourishment. Ice-making equipment shall be permitted in the clean utility or the nourishment room/area. Ice intended for human consumption shall be provided in the nourishment station and shall be served from self-dispensing ice-makers.

When provided, refer to Section 1226.4.13.7.

When provided, oxygen and suction capabilities may be portable or piped.

Each birthing room shall have direct access to a private toilet room with lavatory, shower or tub and nurse call system. Facilities for cleaning bedpans shall be provided in the toilet room.

Refer to Section 1224.4.15.

Refer to Section 1226.4.9.

Refer to Section 1226.4.15.1.

Refer to Section 1226.4.16.1.1.

Refer to Section 1224.4.5.

Refer to Section 1224.4.5.

Refer to Section 1224.4.5.

Refer to Section 1224.4.5.

Refer to Section 1226.4.16.2.1.

Refer to 1226.4.16.2.2.

Refer to Section 1226.4.17.1.

Refer to Section 1226.4.17.2.

Refer to Section 1226.4.17.3.

When provided, a changing room with shower shall be provided for staff to change into work attire.