048-6 Wyo. Code R. §§ 6-4 - Definitions

The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of these rules. Where the context in which words are used in these rules indicates that such is the intent, words in the singular number shall include the plural and vice versa. Throughout these rules gender pronouns are used interchangeable. The drafters have attempted to utilize each gender pronoun in equal numbers, in random distribution. Words in each gender shall include individuals of the other gender.

For purpose of these rules, the following shall apply:

(a) Administration of Drugs - the act in which a single dose of a prescribed drug or biological is given to a patient by a licensed person in accordance with all laws and regulations governing such acts.

(b) Administrator - the person who is delegated the responsibility for interpreting, implementing, and applying policies and procedures established by the governing authority. He/she is delegated responsibility for the establishment of safe and effective administrative management, and the control and operation of the services provided.

(c) Bathing Facility - a bathtub or shower.

(d) Birthing Center - any health facility, place, professional office or institution which is not a hospital or in a hospital and where births are planned to occur away from the mother's residence following normal uncomplicated pregnancy.

(e) Birthing Room - a room and environment designed, equipped and arranged to provide for the care of a woman and newborn and to accommodate her support person(s) during the process of vaginal birth, (the three stages of labor and recovery of a woman and newborn).

(f) Certified Nurse Midwife - a registered professional nurse who performs advanced nursing acts and who may perform medical acts in collaboration with a licensed physician in such manner to assure quality and appropriateness of services rendered. The advanced practitioner of nursing performs such acts by reason of postgraduate education and additional nursing preparation which provides for the knowledge, judgment and skill beyond that required of a registered professional nurse and who has completed a nationally accredited educational program for preparation as an advanced practitioner of nursing or who has passed a national certification examination of a nationally recognized accrediting agency accepted by the Wyoming State Board of Nursing.

(g) Clinical Staff - the physicians and certified nurse midwives appointed by the governing authority to practice within the birthing center, governed by rules approved by the governing body, and licensed by the state of Wyoming.

(h) Commissioner - the State Survey Agent of the Department of Health, Office of Health Quality.

(i) Collaboration - to labor together, to work jointly with others, especially in an institutional endeavor.

(j) Division - the Department of Health, Office of Health Quality.

(k) Governing Body - an individual or group which is legally responsible for the operation, control and maintenance of the birthing center.

(l) Hospital - means an institution or a unit in an institution providing one (1) or more of the following to patients by or under the supervision of an organized medical staff.

(m) Lavatory - a plumbing fixture designed and equipped for handwashing purposes.

(n) Licensing Agency - means the Department of Health, Office of Health Quality.

(o) Low Risk - normal, uncomplicated prenatal course as determined by adequate prenatal care and prospects for a normal, uncomplicated birth as defined by reasonable and generally accepted criteria of maternal and fetal health. These services shall be limited to mothers not falling in the categories of conditions and needs listed in Appendix 1, "Limitation of Services."

(p) NEC - the National Electrical Code

(q) New Construction - any of the following started after promulgation of these rules and regulations:

(1) New buildings to be used as a birthing center;

(2) Addition(s) to an existing birthing center;

(3) Alteration(s) or modification(s) (other than strictly repairs for maintenance), costing more than $3,000 or that affect the structure or mechanical system.

(r) NFPA - the National Fire Protection Association.

(s) Patient - a Pregnant woman admitted to a birthing center by, and/or under the order of a duly licensed clinical staff member.

(t) Personnel - individuals employed by the birthing center.

(u) Physician - doctors specializing in obstetrics and pediatrics.

(v) Registered Nurse - a person licensed under the provision of the law regulating the practice of registered nursing in the state of Wyoming.

(w) Recovery - that period or duration of time starting at birth and ending with the discharge of a patient from the birthing center or the period of time between the birth and the time a mother leaves the premises of the birthing center.

(x) Shall - compliance is mandatory.

(y) Should - a suggestion or recommendation, but not a requirement.

(z) Support Person - the individuals selected or chosen by a mother to provide emotional support and to assist her during the process of labor and childbirth.

Notes

048-6 Wyo. Code R. §§ 6-4