# COMAR Title 10 — Maryland Department of Health

## Subtitle 05 — Freestanding Ambulatory Care Facilities

### Chapter 02 — Freestanding Birthing Centers

#### Regulation .13 Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

*COMAR 10.05.02.13*

A. Fire Safety Protection.

  (1) Smoke Alarms. A freestanding birthing center shall place smoke alarms on each floor and at points as recommended by the State Fire Marshal or local fire authority. A freestanding birthing center shall have alarms that are audible throughout the center.

  (2) Fire Extinguishers. A freestanding birthing center shall provide at least one approved fire extinguisher on each floor, including below ground level.

  (3) Lighting and Power. A freestanding birthing center shall ensure that:

    (a) Exits are illuminated during time of occupancy; and

    (b) Emergency lighting is located to provide illumination in event of a power failure.

B. Power Outage. A freestanding birthing center shall have:

  (1) A written plan to address power outages; and

  (2) Annual staff training relating to power outages.

C. Evacuation.

  (1) A freestanding birthing center shall make written copies of its fire evacuation plan available to all personnel and instruct all personnel in the implementation of the evacuation plan.

  (2) A freestanding birthing center shall keep all personnel informed of their responsibilities under the plan and conduct a supervised evacuation drill at least once a year.