Section 264.2700  General Requirements

a)         Program Narrative

The program narrative shall include the number of beds, medical needs of proposed clients, proposed food service and laundry operations, the interrelation of the functions of the birth center, and the following:

1)         Size and Layout

A)        Birth center departments' sizes and clear floor areas depend on program requirements and organization of services within the birth center.

B)        As required by community needs, combination or sharing of some functions shall be permitted, provided the layout does not compromise safety standards and medical or nursing practices and receives approval from the Department.

2)         Transfer Agreements

A)        A transfer agreement with the referral hospital shall be in place prior to initiating the planning and construction of these facilities. 

B)        These agreements shall be submitted to the Department for approval at the time of project submission.

3)         Birth Center Location

A birth center shall be located within a ground travel time distance from the referral hospital with which the birth center maintains a contractual relationship, pursuant to Section 264.2250.

b)         Site

The birth center shall be sited to avoid placement in a flood plain, seismic fault line, or another natural impediment to maintaining a stable operational environment.

1)         Transport Support Features

A)        A birth center's transfer agreements shall include ambulance services to ensure the timely transfer of clients presenting to the birth center and requiring surgical or other hospital-based interventions.

B)        There shall be emergency parking available for an ambulance close to the emergency entrance and the designated client rooms holding clients requiring transfer to a referral hospital or APC.

C)        Where appropriate, features such as garages, approaches, lighting, and fencing to meet State, federal and/or local regulations that govern the placement, safety features, and elements required to accommodate ambulance service shall be provided.

2)         Accessibility to Public Transportation

The birth center shall be sited to provide easy and convenient access to public transportation, if locally available.

3)         Parking

A)        Each new birth center, major addition, or major change in function shall be provided with parking spaces to satisfy the needs of the client population, personnel, and public.

B)        Additional parking may be required to accommodate other services.

C)        The birth center shall provide accommodations for loading and off-loading clients from vehicles in an area sheltered from the weather.