SECTION 310:616-5-2. Quality assurance

  The birthing center shall have a quality assurance program to monitor and assure that all requirements are met, including but not limited to:

(1)   Sanitation.

(A)   A safe and sanitary environment shall be properly constructed, equipped and maintained according to established policies and procedures to protect the health and safety of the patient.

(B)   An infection control program shall be developed which includes the utilization of universal precautions.

(C)   Properly functioning equipment shall be available to sterilize instruments, equipment and supplies prior to use in the center using current standards and principles of sterilization in processing sterile supplies.

(D)   All waste, including biomedical waste, shall be disposed of by a state approved method. Placentas shall not be placed in the trash or dumpster for disposal. Infectious or pathological wasted shall be double-bagged in plastic bags not less than 1.5 mile thick each and conspicuously marked. Biomedical waste shall not be commingled with routine solid waste.

(2)   Emergency equipment.

(A)   Properly functioning emergency equipment shall include oxygen, respiratory support equipment including airways, manual breathing bag and mask and laryngoscope and endotracheal tubes for adults and infants.

(B)   Emergency medications as specified by the medical director shall be maintained.

(3)   Evaluation of care.

(A)   Acceptable quality of care shall be provided to patients both directly and under arrangements.

(B)   The governing board shall annually review and revise, as needed, the birthing center's quality assurance program. Goals shall be established and problems identified with documented solutions.

(C)   Policies and procedures shall be reviewed, revised as needed, and approved by the governing board, annually.

[Source: Added at 9 Ok Reg 1715, eff 4-23-92 (emergency); Added at 9 Ok Reg 1979, eff 6-11-92]