# COMAR Title 10 — Maryland Department of Health

## Subtitle 05 — Freestanding Ambulatory Care Facilities

### Chapter 02 — Freestanding Birthing Centers

#### Regulation .14 Equipment.

*COMAR 10.05.02.14*

A. Equipment and furnishings shall be constructed of materials that are easily cleaned and maintained and shall include, at a minimum:

  (1) A heat source for infant examination or resuscitation;

  (2) A transfer isolette or demonstrated capability of ready access to a transfer isolette;

  (3) A sterilizer or demonstration of sterilizing capability;

  (4) Blood pressure equipment, thermometers, and fetoscope or doptone;

  (5) Intravenous equipment;

  (6) Adult and neonatal resuscitation equipment including, but not limited to, oxygen equipment for patient and newborn that is stored in accordance with Standards for Health Care Facilities, NFPA 99; and

  (7) Instruments for delivery, episiotomy, and repair.

B. Laundry.

  (1) A freestanding birthing center shall provide for the sanitary handling of soiled linens in accordance with 29 CFR §1910.1030, which is incorporated by reference.

  (2) A freestanding birthing center may have on-site laundry facilities or use a laundry service that is experienced in handling linens for health care facilities.

  (3) When a freestanding birthing center uses on-site laundry facilities, the center shall disinfect soiled linens by using one of the following methods:

    (a) Hot water at 160°F; or

    (b) A low-temperature wash formula which specifies time, temperature, concentration, and pH control in conjunction with chlorine bleach as recommended by the detergent manufacturer for use in a health care setting.

  (4) A freestanding birthing center shall maintain an adequate linen supply.