Section 216-RICR-40-10-8.8 - Physical Plant and Equipment8.8.1 Physical Facility A. All construction shall be subject to the laws, rules, regulations and codes of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapters 23-17 and 23-28.1, and "Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospital and Outpatient Facilities" incorporated above at § 8.2(A) of this Part, and all other appropriate state and local laws, codes, regulations and ordinances. Where there is a difference between codes, the code having the more stringent standard shall apply.B. All plans for new construction or the renovation, alteration, extension, modification or conversion of an existing Birth Center that may affect compliance with "Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospital and Outpatient Facilities" incorporated above at § 8.2(A) of this Part shall be reviewed by a licensed architect, acceptable to the Director. Said architect shall certify that the plans conform to the construction requirements of "Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospital and Outpatient Facilities" incorporated above at § 8.2(A) of this Part, prior to construction. The Birth Center shall maintain a copy of the plans reviewed and the architect's signed certification, for review by the Department upon request. 1. In the event of non-conformance for which the Birth Center seeks a variance, the general procedures outlined in §8.9.1 of this Part shall be followed. Variance requests shall include a written description of the entire project, details of the non-conformance for which the variance is sought and alternate provisions made, as well as detailing the basis upon which the request is made. The Department may request additional information while evaluating variance requests.2. If variances are granted, a licensed architect shall certify that the plans conform to all construction requirements of "Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospital and Outpatient Facilities" incorporated above at § 8.2(A) of this Part, except those for which variances were granted, prior to construction. The Birth Center shall maintain a copy of the plans reviewed, the variance(s) granted and the architect's signed certification, for review by the Department upon request.C. Upon completion of construction, the Birth Center shall provide written notification to the Department, describing the project, and a copy of the architect's certification. The Birth Center shall obtain authorization from the Department prior to occupying/re-occupying the area. At the discretion of the Department, an on-site visit may be required.8.8.2 General Provisions for Physical Facility (Including Existing Facilities) A. Each Center shall be constructed, designed, planned, equipped and maintained to protect the health and safety of mothers, newborns, personnel and the public, and to facilitate emergency exit of mothers and/or newborns in the event of emergency.B. Reception areas, examination rooms, birth rooms, family rooms and other supportive areas shall be designed and equipped to provide good and safe care as well as to provide privacy and comfort to mothers and their families.C. The birth room(s) shall be located to provide unimpeded, rapid access to an exit of the building where emergency transportation vehicles may be accommodated. 1. Hallways and doors providing access and entry into the birth room shall be of adequate width to accommodate ambulance stretchers and wheelchairs.2. The birth room shall be spacious enough to accommodate staff to move freely and to include at least: a. A large bed or double bed;b. Chairs - lounge and straight-back;c. Bedside/procedure tables;e. Space for birth room supplies and equipment and for family belongings; and f. Access to a sink with hot and cold running water with elbow-wrist controls.D. Acceptable toilet facilities shall be available to each laboring mother and adequate shower facilities shall also be available to accommodate mothers.E. Utility, storage and laundry areas shall be designed and equipped for washing, sterilizing and storage of equipment, linens and medical supplies in a manner which insures segregation of clean linen and sterile supplies and equipment from those that are soiled and/or contaminated.F. Medication and storage areas shall be provided and equipped with locks to ensure the safekeeping of drugs and biologicals.G. Heating and ventilation systems shall be capable of maintaining comfortable temperatures.H. Lighting and electrical services: Each Center shall be adequately lighted with appropriate lighting for examination in the birth room(s). 1. An emergency source of electrical light shall be available for the protection of mothers and families in the event the normal electrical power is interrupted.2. All electrical and other equipment used in the Center shall be maintained free of defects which could be a potential hazard to mother/newborns, their families and staff.I. An elevator shall be provided where care is provided at different floor levels. The cab size of the elevator shall be large enough to accommodate a stretcher, an attendant and such equipment as may be needed.8.8.3 Equipment A. Each Center shall be equipped with those items needed to provide low-risk maternity care and shall include equipment to initiate emergency procedures in life threatening events to mother and newborn. Such equipment shall include no less than: 1. Oxygen and positive pressure masks;2. DeLee trap suction and infant laryngoscope and airways;5. Medications identified in protocols for emergency needs;6. Infant transport equipment and infant warmers.B. In addition, the Center shall be equipped with standard equipment which includes no less than: 1. Equipment for standard screening;3. Sterilization of instruments.8.8.4 Plumbing All plumbing material and plumbing systems or parts thereof installed shall meet the minimum requirements of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-27.3.
8.8.5 Water Supply Water shall be obtained from an approved water system and shall be distributed to conveniently located taps and fixtures throughout the facility and shall be adequate in volume and pressure for all Center purposes, including fire safety in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-27.3.
8.8.6 Waste Disposal Waste disposal methods shall be provided that are acceptable to the Department.
216 R.I. Code R. § 216-RICR-40-10-8.8
Amended effective 11/25/2018