1224.29.2 Newborn Intensive Care Units (NICU)
The NICU shall comply with all the requirements of Section 1224.29.1. Additionally each NICU shall include or comply with the following:
Provide one handwashing fixture for each four infants and for each major fraction thereof. In a multiple-bed room, every bed position shall be within 20 feet (6096 mm) of a handwashing fixture. Where an individual room concept is used, a handwashing fixture shall be provided within each infant care room.
At least one door to each patient room shall be a minimum of 44 inches (1118 mm) wide.
A central area shall serve as a control station, and shall have space for counters and storage, and direct access to a handwashing station. It may be combined with or include centers for reception, communication and patient monitoring.
Ceilings shall have a noise reduction coefficient (NRC) of at least 0.90.
Shall comply with the requirements of Section 1224.29.1.13 except for separate toilet, bathtubs or shower. The room shall be enclosed and separated from the nursery unit with provisions for observation of the infant from adjacent nurseries or control area(s).
- Where infant formula is prepared on site, direct access from the formula preparation room to any infant care room is prohibited.
- The formula preparation room shall be located in or adjacent to the NICU. The formula preparation room may be located at another location as approved by the Licensing Agency.
The formula preparation room shall include the following:
- A separate cleanup area for washing and sanitizing. This area shall include a handwashing station, facilities for bottle washing and a work counter.
- A separate room for preparing infant formula. This room shall contain a refrigerator, work counter, formula sterilizer, storage facilities and a handwashing station.
Shall be accessible for use by NICU personnel at all times.
Where a commercial infant formula is used, omission of the separate cleanup and preparation rooms shall be permitted, and storage and handling in the NICU workroom or another appropriate room that is readily accessible at all hours shall be permitted. The preparation area shall have the following:
- A work counter
- A hand-washing station
- Storage facilities
Space shall be provided for emergency equipment that is under direct control of the nursing staff, such as a CPR cart.
Shall be directly accessible from the unit and be dedicated for the exclusive use of the neonatal intensive care unit.
- External windows in infant care rooms shall be glazed with insulating glass to minimize heat gain or loss.
- External windows in infant care rooms shall be situated at least 2 feet (610 mm) away from any part of a baby's bed to minimize radiant heat loss from the baby.
- All external windows shall be equipped with easily cleaned shading devices that are neutral color or opaque to minimize color distortion from transmitted light.