Section 265.1850 Labor and Birth Procedures

a)         An obstetrician, family practitioner/physician or certified nurse midwife (birth attendant) shall attend each woman in labor from the time of admission through birth and throughout the immediate postpartum period.  Attendance may be delegated only to another physician or certified nurse midwife.  (Section 35(6) of the Act)

b)         Additionally, a second staff person (birth assistant) shall also be present at each birth who is licensed or certified in Illinois in a health-related field and under the supervision of the physician or certified nurse midwife in attendance, has specialized training in labor and delivery techniques and care of newborns, and receives planned and ongoing training as needed to perform assigned duties effectively. (Section 35(6) of the Act)

c)         The birth attendant shall be trained in the common duties associated with birth and postpartum, and use of emergency policies, procedures and equipment.

d)         During the labor process, the birth attendant shall perform the following minimum duties:

                        1)         Monitor the fetal heartbeat;

                        2)         Monitor the mother's blood pressure, pulse and temperature;

                        3)         Perform adult and infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if needed;

4)         Monitor the infant's heartbeat, respiratory rate and body temperature; and

5)         Assess the client's fundus and blood loss.

e)         Interventions shall be limited to those required to accomplish a vaginal delivery.