S.C. Code Regs. § § 61-12.III.301

Current through Register Vol. 48, 12, December 27, 2024

Section 61-12.III.301 - Policies and Procedures. (II)

Abortion clinics shall not serve patients whose needs exceed the resources and/or capabilities of the clinic. The facility shall formulate and adhere to written patient care policies and procedures designed to ensure professional and safe care for patients, to include but not limited to:

A. Admission criteria;

B. Physician and nurse responsibilities for the services offered;

C. Specific details regarding the pre-operative procedures performed, to include:

1. History and physical examination, to include verification of pregnancy, estimation of gestational age, identification of any preexisting conditions or complications;

2. Special examinations, lab procedures, and/or consultations required, to include ultrasonography required when gestational age is clinically estimated to be equal to or more than 14 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period as established by the physician's performance of a bimanual physical examination. Policies and procedures should also indicate that ultrasound is recommended when gestational age is equal to or more than 12 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period as established by the performance of a bimanual physical examination or if the physical examination and clinical evidence is inconclusive as to the gestational age.

D. The actual abortion procedure, to include the use of:

1. IV's;

2. Fluids;

3. Analgesia/anesthesia. General anesthesia shall be administered only by a certified registered nurse anesthetist, anesthesiologist, or dentist anesthetist or physician anesthetist.

4. Tissue examination/disposal.

E. Post-procedure care/recovery room procedures to include emergency care;

F. Provisions for the education of patient, family and others, as appropriate in pre and post-procedure care;

G. Plans for follow-up of patient after discharge from the facility, to include arrangements for post-operative visit, and specific instructions in case of emergency;

H. Management and appropriate referral of high-risk conditions;

I. Transfer of patients who, during the course of pregnancy termination are determined to need care beyond that of the facility;

J. Infection control and sanitation procedures to include duties and responsibilities of the infection control committee that shall include the development and implementation of specific patient care and administrative policies aimed at investigating, controlling and preventing infections in the facility;

K. Registration of fetal death or death certificates, when applicable.

S.C. Code Regs. § 61-12.III.301