A. Equipment and furnishings shall be constructed of materials that are easily cleaned and maintained and shall include, at a minimum:
- (1) A heat source for infant examination or resuscitation;
- (2) A transfer isolette or demonstrated capability of ready access to a transfer isolette;
- (3) A sterilizer or demonstration of sterilizing capability;
- (4) Blood pressure equipment, thermometers, and fetoscope or doptone;
- (5) Intravenous equipment;
- (6) Adult and neonatal resuscitation equipment including, but not limited to, oxygen equipment for patient and newborn that is stored in accordance with Standards for Health Care Facilities, NFPA 99; and
- (7) Instruments for delivery, episiotomy, and repair.
B. Laundry.
- (1) A freestanding birthing center shall provide for the sanitary handling of soiled linens in accordance with 29 CFR §1910.1030, which is incorporated by reference.
- (2) A freestanding birthing center may have on-site laundry facilities or use a laundry service that is experienced in handling linens for health care facilities.
(3) When a freestanding birthing center uses on-site laundry facilities, the center shall disinfect soiled linens by using one of the following methods:
- (a) Hot water at 160°F; or
- (b) A low-temperature wash formula which specifies time, temperature, concentration, and pH control in conjunction with chlorine bleach as recommended by the detergent manufacturer for use in a health care setting.
- (4) A freestanding birthing center shall maintain an adequate linen supply.
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)