(a)

1. (1) Freestanding birthing centers shall develop policies and procedures for the provision of food and nourishments for patient consumption.
2. (2) Food and nourishments may be brought to the center by patients or their families, if allowed by facility policy.

(b) If meals and nourishments are provided for patients by the center, the following conditions shall exist:

1. (1) Food shall come from an approved commercial source;
2. (2) Only prepackaged complete meals, food items to include condiments, or snacks shall be served;

3. (3)

   1. (A) There shall be sufficient space provided for cold and dry storage of food items.
   2. (B) Sufficient space shall be defined by the facility's established stock level;
4. (4) Only disposable dishware and eating utensils shall be permitted;

5. (5)

   1. (A) There shall be designated space provided for the assembly and service of meals.
   2. (B) It shall contain at least the following items:

(i) Refrigerator and freezer;

1. (ii) Microwave;

   1. (iii) Two (2) compartment sinks with drainboards;

      1. (iv) Cabinet, drawer, and counter space;
      2. (v) Can opener;
      3. (vi) Small utensils;
      4. (vii) Self-dispensing ice machine;
      5. (viii) Trash receptacle;
      6. (ix) Handwashing facilities or equivalent; and
      7. (x) Noncommercial undercounter dishwasher;

2. (6) Policies and procedures shall be established for the cleaning and maintenance of all:

   1. (A) Equipment;
   2. (B) Storage; and
   3. (C) Workspace;

3. (7)

   1. (A) Temperatures for refrigeration equipment shall be maintained between thirty-six to forty degrees Fahrenheit (36°F – 40°F).
   2. (B) A hermetically sealed indicating thermometer accurate to plus or minus three degrees Fahrenheit (3°F) shall be located to measure the air temperature in the warmest part of the storage unit.
   3. (C) Temperatures shall be monitored and recorded at least three (3) times daily.
   4. (D) Small freestanding birthing centers not providing meals or hazardous foods shall monitor and record temperatures on each day the facility is open;

4. (8)

   1. (A) Freezers containing foods to be stored for ten (10) days or less shall maintain zero degrees Fahrenheit (0°F) plus or minus ten degrees Fahrenheit (10°F).
   2. (B) Frozen foods stored for longer than ten (10) days shall be maintained at a temperature of zero degrees Fahrenheit (0°F) or below.
   3. (C) A hermetically sealed indicating thermometer accurate to plus or minus three degrees Fahrenheit (3°F) shall be located to measure the air temperature in the warmest part of the storage unit.
   4. (D) Temperatures shall be monitored and recorded at least three (3) times daily.
   5. (E) Small freestanding birthing centers not providing meals or hazardous foods shall monitor and record temperatures on each day the facility is open;

5. (9)

   1. (A) Policies and procedures shall be established for the storage, dating, and rotation of all food items.
   2. (B) Policies must be in place to ensure that food stored during periods the facility is not in operation maintains proper temperatures;
6. (10) Employee food shall be labeled and separated from patient food in refrigerators and freezers; and
7. (11) Signs should be visible to warn persons with pacemakers of the presence of a microwave oven, if applicable.