WAC 246-329-130   Birth center equipment and supplies.  The purpose of this section is to ensure the birth center provides safe and appropriate equipment and supplies necessary to the safe provision of care to the client of the birth center.

     (1) The applicant or licensee shall assure the birth center has the adequate, appropriate size and type equipment and supplies maintained for the maternal client and the newborn to include:

     (a) A bed suitable for labor, birth, and recovery;

     (b) Separate oxygen with flow meters and masks or equivalent;

     (c) Suction equipment for the maternal client and newborn to include suction apparatus, either operated from a wall outlet or portable equipment, and bulb suction as appropriate. These devices must be immediately available in the birth center;

     (d) Resuscitation equipment to include adult and neonate resuscitation bags and term and preterm size face masks, and neonatal-sized oxygen bags for assisted ventilation. Newborn resuscitation equipment shall include method to deliver free flow oxygen;

     (e) Firm surfaces suitable for resuscitation;

     (f) Fetal monitoring equipment, minimally to include a fetoscope, doppler or electronic monitor;

     (g) Equipment for monitoring and maintaining the optimum body temperature of the newborn. A heat source appropriate for use in warming newborns shall be available, and may include an incubator;

     (h) A time keeping device;

     (i) Sterile suturing equipment and supplies;

     (j) Glucose meter appropriately calibrated to screen glucose level in newborn;

     (k) Examination lighting device with a shatterproof bulb or protective shield;

     (l) Containers for soiled linen and waste materials which shall be closed or covered.

     (2) A telephone or equivalent communication device must be accessible in the client care area.

     (3) The licensee must clean, sterilize, disinfect and store equipment according to manufacturer guidelines and department requirements, if applicable. Clean and soiled equipment and supplies must be stored in separate areas.

     (4) The applicant licensee shall provide and maintain infection control equipment and supplies for clinical staff.



[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.46 RCW and RCW 43.70.040. 07-07-075, § 246-329-130, filed 3/16/07, effective 4/16/07.]