The Florida Senate

383.308  Birth center facility and equipment; requirements.--

(1)  A birth center shall be so designed to assure adequate provision for birthing rooms, bath and toilet facilities, storage areas for supplies and equipment, examination areas, and reception or family areas. Handwashing facilities shall be in, or immediately adjacent to, all examining areas and birthing rooms.

(2)(a)  A birth center shall be equipped with those items needed to provide low-risk maternity care and readily available equipment to initiate emergency procedures in life-threatening events to mother and baby, as defined by rule of the agency.

(b)  Provision shall be made, on or off the premises, for laundry, sterilization of supplies and equipment, laboratory examinations, and light snacks. If a food service is provided, special requirements shall be met as defined in rules promulgated pursuant to chapter 381.

(3)  A birth center shall meet codes for ordinary construction and for water supply and sewage disposal. Solid waste shall be disposed of in accordance with the provisions of chapter 403 and rules promulgated thereunder.

(4)(a)  A birth center shall be maintained in a safe, clean, and orderly manner.

(b)  The governing body shall ensure that there is compliance with firesafety provisions required by rules promulgated pursuant to chapter 633.

History.--ss. 8, 27, ch. 84-283; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 9, ch. 98-171.