Transfer and transport of clients to hospitals.

(1) If unforeseen complications arise during labor, delivery, or postpartum recovery, the client must be transferred to a hospital.

(2) Each birth center shall make arrangements with a local ambulance service licensed under chapter 401 for the transport of emergency patients to a hospital. Such arrangements must be documented in the center’s policy and procedures manual if the birth center does not own or operate a licensed ambulance. The policy and procedures manual also must contain specific protocols for the transfer of any patient to a licensed hospital.

(3) Each advanced birth center shall enter into a written transfer agreement with a local hospital licensed under chapter 395 for the transfer and admission of emergency patients to the hospital or a written agreement with an obstetrician who has hospital privileges to provide coverage at all times and who has agreed to accept the transfer of the advanced birth center’s patients.

(4) A birth center shall identify neonatal-specific transportation services, including ground and air ambulances; list their particular qualifications; and have the telephone numbers for access to these services clearly listed and immediately available.

(5) The birth center shall assess and document the transportation services and transfer protocols annually.