Section 265.1600  Governing Body

a)         Each birth center shall have an organized governing body that is responsible for:

1)         The management and control of the birth center;

2)         The assurance of quality care and services;

3)         Compliance with all federal, State and local laws; and

4)         Protection of personal and property rights of clients, newborn infants and support persons.

b)         The governing body shall be responsible for providing a sufficient number of appropriately qualified personnel, physical resources and equipment, supplies and services for safe, effective and efficient delivery of care services for normal, uncomplicated and low risk pregnancies as defined in this Part.

c)         The governing body shall appoint an administrator who has the authority and responsibility for the operation and administration of the birth center at all times.  Qualifications, authority, responsibilities and duties of the administrator shall be defined in a written statement adopted by the governing body.

d)         The governing body shall appoint a medical director physician who is licensed to practice medicine in all its branches, who is certified or eligible for certification by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists or the American Board of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists or has hospital obstetrical privileges.  (Section 35(6) of the Act)

e)         The governing body shall appoint a Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services.

f)         The governing body shall adopt effective policies and bylaws governing operation of the birth center.  The policies and bylaws shall be in writing, dated and available for public review.  These shall include, but not be limited to:

1)         Obstetric, pediatric, and midwifery services available on a 24-hour basis, seven days a week, which shall include obstetric and pediatric consultative services, transportation in case of emergency, admission and discharge policies and provision for referral to outside resources; and

2)         Written birth center policies developed by the medical director and Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services and readily available to all staff.  All staff members shall be oriented to existing policies and procedures and shall be promptly notified of changes in policies or procedures.

g)         The governing body shall annually review, revise and approve client rights policies and procedures (see Section 265.1700).