Section 250.1850  Single Room Postpartum Care of Mother and Infant

The following requirements apply when postpartum care is provided to a mother and her infant in the same room:

a)         The patient's room shall be of sufficient size and arrangement for the bedside care of the mother and infant.

b)         The patient's room shall be equipped with a toilet, a hand-washing lavatory and a supply of clean towels.

c)         Equipment and supplies shall include:

1)         Separate equipment and supplies for the mother and the infant;

2)         Separate enclosed storage space for the infant's clean linen, equipment and supplies; and

3)         Adequate covered containers for the infant's soiled linen.

d)         Single room postpartum care for the mother and infant shall meet the following requirements:

1)         The hospital's obstetric and neonatal service plan shall establish the conditions of the mother and infant that are appropriate for mother and infant postpartum care in the same room.

2)         All nursing care of the mother and infant shall be given by the same nurse on each shift.

3)         Adequate observation and nursing care shall be assured.

4)         The care of mothers and infants shall include procedures to prevent cross-infection, emphasizing conscientious hand washing by parents, visitors and personnel, and the careful handling of soiled linen.

5)         Adequate nursery facilities shall be provided for periods when infants are not with their mothers.

(Source:  Amended at 36 Ill. Reg. 17413, effective December 3, 2012)