Section 481.51.32. Obstetric and neonatal services.

         51.32(1) All hospitals providing obstetrical care shall be properly organized and equipped to provide accommodations for mothers and newborn infants. The supervision of the maternity area shall be under the direction of a qualified registered nurse.

         51.32(2) Written policies and procedures shall be implemented governing obstetric and neonatal services that are consistent with the needs of the patient and resources of the hospital.

            a.               Policies and procedures shall be developed in consultation with and with the approval of the hospital’s medical staff. At a minimum, the policies and procedures shall provide for:

             (1)             Obstetric and neonatal services under the direction of a qualified doctor of medicine or osteopathy.

             (2)             Delineation of the privileges and qualifications of individuals authorized to provide obstetrical/gynecological service as set out in the hospital’s medical staff bylaws.

             (3)             The qualifications of nursing personnel and continuing education required.

             (4)             Adequate staffing for obstetrical and newborn services.

             (5)             Location and arrangement of obstetric and newborn services.

             (6)             Infection control and disease prevention.

             (7)             Ongoing quality assessment.

            b.               Hospitals may consider the most recent edition of the following publications in the development of policies and procedures: 641—Chapter 150, Iowa Regionalized System of Perinatal Health Care, Iowa Administrative Code, and Guidelines for Perinatal Care, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

[ARC 2472C, IAB 3/30/16, effective 5/4/16]