N.J. Admin. Code § 8:35-2.6

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024

Section 8:35-2.6 - Patient and family support

(a) A facility shall establish and implement policies and procedures for supporting the patient and family before, during, and after a stillbirth. The policies and procedures shall address, at a minimum:

1. Guidelines to assess a family's awareness and knowledge regarding the stillbirth process;

2. The provision of one-on-one nursing care for the duration of the patient's stay at the facility;

3. Protocols to ensure coordinated visits to the patient and family by facility staff trained to:

i. Address the psychosocial needs of a family experiencing a stillbirth;

ii. Provide guidance in the bereavement process; and

iii. Assist with completing any forms required in connection with the stillbirth, including the form to consent to an autopsy or alternative evaluation of the stillborn child; and

4. The provision of psychological and emotional support by direct care staff to the patient and family following a stillbirth, which support shall include, at a minimum:

i. Referring to the stillborn child by name (for a named child), if appropriate; and

ii. Offering the family the opportunity to:

(1) Cut or assist in cutting the umbilical cord;

(2) Obtain a blessing, baptism, or other appropriate religious observance to accommodate the family's spiritual needs;

(3) Meet with the facility chaplain or other individual from the family's religious community; and

(4) Prepare a memory box as required by N.J.A.C. 8:35-2.7.

iii. Providing the patient and family with the opportunity to receive and hold the stillborn child in private without time restrictions.

(1) During this time, the patient may bathe and clothe the stillborn child using clothing and supplies of their own or those provided by the facility.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:35-2.6

Adopted by 50 N.J.R. 512(a), effective 1/16/2018