Section 265.1950  Discharge Policies and Procedures

a)         The maximum length of stay in a birth center shall be consistent with existing State laws (see 215 ILCS 5/356s) allowing a 48-hour stay or appropriate post-delivery care, if the mother and infant are discharged earlier than 48 hours.  (Section 35(6) of the Act)

b)         The birth center shall develop a discharge plan of care for all mothers and infants.

c)         The discharge plan shall be based on the assessment of the mother's and infant's needs by the various disciplines responsible for their care.

d)         The mother and infant shall be discharged from the birth center when both are clinically stable and have met the discharge criteria/policy established by the birth center.

e)         The mother and infant shall not be discharged prior to four hours after the time of birth.

f)         The birth center shall provide the mother with written discharge instructions.  The discharge instructions shall include written guidelines detailing how the mother may obtain emergency assistance for herself and her infant.

g)         The birth center shall develop, implement and enforce written policies to provide follow-up postnatal and postpartum care to the infant and the mother, either directly or by referral.  Follow-up care may be provided in the birth center, at the mother's residence, by telephone, or by a combination of these methods.