37.106.1012    MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR OUTPATIENT CENTERS FOR PRIMARY CARE: BIRTH CENTERS

(1) If an outpatient center for primary care operates a birth center, the birth center shall:

(a) comply with the requirements of ARM 37.106.1008;

(b) show written evidence of current accreditation by the Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers including recommendations for future compliance or meet the standards as outlined in ARM 37.106.1014; and

(c) establish a coordinated transfer of care through a mutually established agreement to the nearest hospital or critical access hospital that provides obstetrical and surgical services as required by the patient's acuity or the outpatient birth center 24 hour length of stay limitation.

(d) A transfer of care agreement must show that a physician who has admitting privileges at the hospital or critical access hospital that provides obstetrical and surgical services has agreed to admit and treat patients of the birthing center should the need arise. In transferring patients, the birth center shall:

(i) before transfer, coordinate and provide notice to the hospital, including the reason for the transfer; and

(ii) during transfer, provide the medical records related to the patient's current condition.

History: 50-5-103, 53-6-106, MCA; IMP, 50-5-103, 50-5-106, MCA; NEW, 2011 MAR p. 578, Eff. 4/15/11.