A. Bedrooms. A freestanding birthing center shall:
- (1) Locate bedrooms so as to provide unimpeded, rapid access to an exit of the building where emergency transportation vehicles may be accommodated;
(2) Have bedrooms that can accommodate:
- (a) A double bed or a bed large enough to safely accommodate patient and baby,
- (b) Birth attendants and support persons,
- (c) Space for supplies, equipment, and family belongings, and
- (d) Access to a sink with hot and cold running water equipped with elbow-wrist controls such as are common in home kitchens.
- B. Toilet Facilities. A freestanding birthing center shall make available separate fixed toilet facilities to the laboring patient and separate toilet facilities for family and staff use.
- C. Bath Facilities. A freestanding birthing center shall make bath and shower facilities available to the laboring patient and have separate washing facilities available for staff and family.
- D. Storage, Utility, and Laundry Facilities. A freestanding birthing center shall have facilities that are designed and equipped for washing, sterilizing, storing, and handling equipment, linens, and medical supplies in a manner which ensures separation of clean linen, and sterile supplies and equipment from those that are soiled or contaminated.
- E. Heating and Ventilation. A freestanding birthing center shall have a safe and adequate source of heat and ventilation capable of maintaining temperature in the birthing unit between 75°F and 85°F.
- F. Lighting and Power. A freestanding birthing center shall have adequate lighting in the birthing rooms.
Authority: Health-General Article, §19-3B-01 et seq., Annotated Code of Maryland
Effective date: August 23, 1999 (26:17 Md. R. 1322)
Chapter revised effective February 15, 2016 (43:3 Md. R. 272)
Regulation .01B amended effective December 8, 2016 (43:24 Md. R. 1350)
Regulation .06A amended effective December 8, 2016 (43:24 Md. R. 1350)
Chapter revised effective October 13, 2025 (52:20 Md. R. 1000)