Rule 111-8-7-.08 - Professional Services(1) All services provided by or in the center shall be performed by persons who are appropriately licensed or certified to perform such services in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia. There shall be qualified staff members to provide for patient needs. At least one physician, certified nurse midwife or registered nurse shall be present at all times that the facility is open whenever a patient (mother or new born) is in the facility.(2) All services shall occur within a health care system which provides for medical consultation, collaborative management or referral.(3) All intrapartal services shall be under the direct supervision of a physician or a certified nurse midwife. At least one other member of the professional staff shall also be present at each delivery.(4) The center shall establish written policies and procedures for emergency services to patients and shall require each professional staff member to receive instruction in emergency treatment of adult and infant patients, upon employment and at least annually thereafter.(5) Each medical staff member shall have admitting privileges or a written agreement with a staff physician to provide services at the contract hospital. Documentation to show compliance with this requirement shall be maintained in the center.(6) Definite means of identification shall be applied to every infant immediately after birth. Such identification shall remain on the infant until discharged. The permanent records of each newborn shall include footprints.(7) The center shall have written policies and procedures to ensure (a) metabolic screening of all newborns within one week of age, (b) assessment of newborn status, including Apgar score at one and five minutes, (c) prevention of eye infection, (d) umbilical cord care, and (e) periodic observation and assessment after birth until the infant's condition is stable. These policies shall be developed in consultation with a pediatrician.(8) Policies, procedures and facilities shall be provided for proper collection, storage and laboratory testing of cord blood for necessary studies on Rh Negative and O Positive mothers and a supply of Rhogam or other appropriate treatment material shall be readily available for use when needed.(9) Prior to discharge, each newborn shall be examined by a physician.(10) Verbal and written instructions shall be provided for observation and care of both the mother and newborn after discharge.(11) A joint conference involving physicians, nurses, representatives of administration and other health personnel responsible for obstetric and newborn care shall be conducted at least quarterly to discuss morbidity and mortality. All fetal and newborn deaths and transfers occurring within the interval since the previous conference shall be reviewed. Minutes shall be kept of the meetings and shall be available to the Department.Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 111-8-7-.08
O.C.G.A. § 31-2-4; O.C.G.A. § 31-7-1; O.C.G.A. Chapter 31-7, Article 1.
Original Rule entitled "Professional Services" adopted. F. Oct. 9, 2020; eff. Oct. 29, 2020.