Section 410IAC27-17-2. Specifications of physical plant

   (a) The center must comply with the freestanding birthing center guidelines as stated in the 2001 edition of the national "Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospital and Health Care Facilities", (Guidelines) section 9.7 except as follows:

(1) Corridors may be less than forty-four (44) inches wide but in no case less than thirty-six (36) inches wide.

(2) Birthing rooms must have a minimum floor area of one hundred forty (140) square feet for new construction and one hundred twenty (120) square feet for a renovation excluding vestibule, toilet, and closets and with a minimum dimension of ten (10) feet.

(3) Medical air is not required.

(4) Hands-free faucets are not required.

  (b) Water supply and sewage disposal services must be obtained from municipal or community services.

  (c) Centers operating before the effective date of this rule are exempted from the requirements of this section.

  (d) Obstetrical units established within a hospital that were in use as an obstetrical unit or were closed during the twelve (12) months before the effective date of this rule are exempted from the requirements of this section. (Indiana State Department of Health; 410 IAC 27-17-2; filed Feb 3, 2006, 2:00 p.m.: 29 IR 1920; readopted filed Jul 12, 2012, 12:09 p.m.: 20120808-IR-410120265RFA)