1. (a) A birth center shall ensure that sufficient supplies and equipment are maintained in a convenient area and immediately available for the care of maternal clients and newborns. Supplies and equipment must include

   1. (1) an emergency cart or tray for the client that

      1. (A) is equipped to assist the staff in carrying out the birth center's written emergency procedures;
      2. (B) is kept secure from unauthorized access;
      3. (C) is readily accessible in an emergency; and
      4. (D) includes a written log of routine maintenance for readiness;

   2. (2) an emergency cart or tray for the newborn that

      1. (A) is equipped to assist the staff in carrying out the birth center's written emergency procedures;
      2. (B) is kept secure from unauthorized access;
      3. (C) is readily accessible in an emergency; and
      4. (D) includes a written log of routine maintenance for readiness;

   3. (3) properly maintained equipment for the routine care of clients and newborns, including

      1. (A) a bed suitable for labor, birth, and recovery;
      2. (B) at least 30 minutes' supply of oxygen with flow meters and appropriate-sized masks or the equivalent for the client and the newborn; if a portable oxygen tank is used, the tank must be readily accessible and secure to prevent tipping;
      3. (C) wall-mounted or mechanical suction and bulb suction;
      4. (D) bag valve mask (BVM) resuscitators and oral airways appropriate for the client and the newborn;
      5. (E) laryngoscopes and endotracheal tubes appropriate for the newborn;
      6. (F) firm surfaces suitable for client and newborn resuscitation;
      7. (G) fetal monitoring equipment, including a fetoscope or Doppler fetal heart monitor;
      8. (H) equipment for monitoring and maintaining the optimum body temperature of the newborn, including a heat source appropriate for use in newborn warming, examination, or resuscitation;
      9. (I) a transfer incubator or isolette or demonstrated capability of ready access to a transfer incubator or isolette; the incubator or isolette must be equipped with a heat source that is appropriate for newborns, and that measures and maintains normal body temperature;
      10. (J) a clock with a sweep second hand;
      11. (K) a sterilizer or demonstration of sterilizing capability;
      12. (L) blood pressure equipment with an appropriate range of cuffs;
      13. (M) thermometers;
      14. (N) intravenous equipment;
      15. (O) sterile suturing equipment and instruments for episiotomy repair and suturing of lacerations;
      16. (P) adjustable examination lights; and
      17. (Q) closed or covered containers for soiled linen and waste materials;

   4. (4) properly maintained accessory equipment, including

      1. (A) conveniently placed telephones;
      2. (B) portable lighting;
      3. (C) kitchen equipment of the type typically found in a private home, for light refreshment; and
      4. (D) laundry equipment of the type typically found in a private home, or contracted laundry services;
   5. (5) an inventory of medications, intravenous medications, and intravenous fluids for routine and emergency treatment, sufficient for the number of clients registered for care; the inventory must include, at a minimum, the medications listed in 12 AAC 14.570;
   6. (6) routine monitoring of the shelf life of medications and intravenous fluids; and
   7. (7) a sufficient inventory of disposable supplies, including needles, suturing supplies, and prescription pads; the birth center shall ensure that these supplies are stored and disposed of appropriately.
2. (b) Equipment must be maintained in a clean, safe, and operable condition.
3. (c) Supplies must be maintained and stored in a clean environment.

(Eff. 5/14/82, Register 82; am 11/19/83, Register 88; am 9/30/2007, Register 183)

Authority: AS 47.32.010, AS 47.32.030