59A-9.023 Clinic Personnel.

Abortions shall be performed only by a licensed physician who has admitting privileges at a hospital within reasonable proximity to the clinic. Physician admitting privileges are optional if the clinic has a written transfer agreement with a hospital within reasonable proximity. At the time of transfer the clinic shall provide to the receiving hospital a copy of the patient’s medical records related to the pregnancy being terminated. Each abortion clinic providing second trimester abortions shall have a staff that is adequately trained and capable of providing appropriate service and supervision to the patients. The clinic will have a position description for each position delineating duties and responsibilities and maintain personnel records for all employees performing or monitoring patients receiving a second trimester abortion.

1. (1) Physicians.

   The clinic shall designate a licensed physician to serve as a medical director. Only physicians authorized by the medical director and the clinic shall perform abortions.

2. (2) Nursing Personnel.

   Nursing personnel in the clinic shall be governed by written policies and procedures relating to patient care, establishment of standards for nursing care and mechanisms for evaluating such care, and nursing services.

3. (3) Allied health professionals, working under appropriate direction and supervision, may be employed to work only within areas where their competency has been established.
4. (4) Orientation. Each clinic shall have and execute a written orientation program to familiarize each new staff member, including volunteers, with the clinic and its policies and procedures, to include fire safety, medical emergencies, and infection control.

5. (5) In-service Training. In-service training programs shall be planned and provided for all employees including full time, part time and contract employees, at the beginning of employment and no less than annually thereafter and will also apply to all volunteers to insure and maintain their understanding of their duties and responsibilities. Records shall be maintained to reflect program content and individual attendance. The following training shall be provided no less than annually, and for surgical assistants and volunteers, must include training in counseling, patient advocacy and specific responsibilities associated with the services they provide:

   1. (a) Infection control, to include universal precautions against blood-borne diseases, general sanitation, personal hygiene such as hand washing, use of masks and gloves, and instruction to staff if there is a likelihood of transmitting a disease to patients or other staff members.
   2. (b) Fire protection, to include evacuating patients, proper use of fire extinguishers, and procedures for reporting fires;
   3. (c) Confidentiality of patient information and records, and protecting patient rights;
   4. (d) Licensing regulations; and,
   5. (e) Incident reporting.

Rulemaking Authority 390.012 FS. Law Implemented 390.0111(2), 390.012 FS. History–New 6-13-90, Amended 4-17-91, Formerly 10D-72.023, Amended 9-25-06, 4-5-17.