10A N.C. Admin. Code 13S.0329

Current through Register Vol. 39, No. 12, December 1, 2024

Section 13S .0329 - POST PROCEDURAL CARE

(a) A patient whose pregnancy is terminated shall be observed in the clinic to ensure that no post procedural complications are present. Thereafter, patients may be discharged according to a physician's order and the clinic's protocols.

(b) Any patient having a complication known or suspected to have occurred during or after the performance of the abortion shall be transferred to a hospital for evaluation or admission.

(c) The following criteria shall be documented prior to discharge:

(1) the patient shall be able to move independently with a stable blood pressure and pulse; and

(2) bleeding and pain are assessed to be stable and not a concern for discharge.

(d) Written instructions shall be issued to all patients in accordance with the orders of the physician in charge of the abortion procedure and shall include the following:

(1) symptoms and complications to be looked for; and

(2) a dedicated telephone number to be used by the patients should any complication occur or question arise. This number shall be answered by a person 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

(e) The clinic shall have a defined protocol for triaging post- operative calls and complications. This protocol shall establish a pathway for physician contact to ensure ongoing care of complications that the clinic's physician is incapable of managing.

10A N.C. Admin. Code 13S .0329

Authority G.S. 131E-153.5; 143B-165;
Codifier determined that findings of need did not meet criteria for emergency rule on October 30, 2023;
Emergency Rule North Carolina Register Volume 38, Issue 11, December 1, 2023 effective 11/14/2023, exp. 1/30/2024 (Emergency).

Temporary Adoption by North Carolina Register Volume 38, Issue 17, March 1, 2024 effective 2/8/2024, exp. 11/26/2024.

Amended by North Carolina Register Volume 39, Issue 09, November 1, 2024 effective 10/1/2024.