Each birth room in a birth center with three or more beds shall meet the following requirements:
- (1) Each birth room shall be a minimum of 200 square feet (18.40 square meters) including the newborn area;
- (2) Each birth room shall be equipped with a handwashing station with hands-free operators;
- (3) Each birth room shall have direct access to a private bathroom equipped with a handwashing sink, toilet, and shower or tub;
- (4) Each birth room shall be equipped with a vinyl floor surface;
- (5) Each birth room shall have adequate lighting with protective covers to prevent lamp from shattering;
- (6) Each birth room shall be equipped with battery operated emergency lighting;
- (7) Each birth room shall be located to ensure privacy during occupancy for labor, birth, and postpartum care until discharge from the center;
- (8) Each birth room shall be located out of the path of traffic and under direct supervision of birth center staff;
- (9) Each birth room shall have available oxygen and suction. Use of portable equipment is permitted;
- (10) Each birth room shall be provided with subdued indirect lighting and special lighting capable of providing at least 700 foot-candles in the delivery and newborn care area; and
- (11) If an elevator is provided, the elevator shall be equipped with a cab with a minimum dimensions of five feet eight inches wide by seven feet six inches deep (1.73 meters wide by 2.29 meters deep).
Source: 38 SDR 115, effective January 9, 2011.
General Authority: SDCL 34-12-62(1) and (5).
Law Implemented: SDCL 34-12-62(1) and (5).