1. (1) Prior to admission for services, patients shall be fully informed of:

   1. (a) The criteria adopted by the birthing center for the selection and admission of patients.
   2. (b) The philosophy of the birthing center's governing body and medical staff regarding childbirth care and management, including the limited use of analgesics and anesthetics.
   3. (c) The scope of services to be provided.
   4. (d) Th expectation that the patient and family will be responsible for self-care to the extent and feasible and safe.  Birthing centers shall not provide the level of care offered in an acute care hospital.
   5. (e) The customary length of stay following delivery.
   6. (f) The policies of the birthing center regarding transfer to hospitals with whom the birthing center has a written agreement.
   7. (g) The qualifications of the medical staff.

2. (2) During the course of prenatal care, the patient and family, to the extent necessary, shall be counseled or instructed to prepare them for childbirth.  At a minimum, the educational topics shall include:

   1. (a) Anticipated changes during pregnancy.
   2. (b) Need for prenatal care.
   3. (c) Nutritional needs during pregnancy.
   4. (d) Effects of smoking and substance abuse.
   5. (e) Danger signs of preterm labor.
   6. (f) What to expect during labor and delivery.
   7. (g) Care and feeding of the newborn, including instruction on lactation (breast feeding).

Author: Dana Billingsley, Diane Milledge

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §22-2-2(6), et seq.; §22-21-20, et seq.

History: Filed November 19, 1987. Repealed: Filed April 16, 2010; effective May 21, 2010. New Rule: Published August 31, 2023; effective October 15, 2023.