As part of the 2024 "Live Healthy" initiative, Florida Bill SB7016 introduces significant legislative changes aimed at improving healthcare access and quality across the state. Among its many provisions, the bill creates a new designation for Advanced Birth Centers (ABCs), setting forth stringent requirements to ensure the highest standards of safety and care. This blog post delves into the impact of these changes on risk management considerations for policy and procedure development in ABCs.
Emergency Preparedness: A Cornerstone of Risk Management
One of the critical components of the new legislation is the emphasis on emergency preparedness. ABCs are now required to establish transfer agreements with local hospitals and document associated transport services annually. This requirement ensures that in the event of an emergency, there is a clear, predefined protocol for transferring patients to higher-level care facilities.For risk managers, this means developing and regularly updating comprehensive emergency response plans, conducting drills, and ensuring all staff are trained to handle emergencies efficiently.
Enhanced Laboratory Services for Better Outcomes
The bill mandates that ABCs must have CLIA-certified laboratories on-site, capable of performing essential tests such as hematology, metabolic screening, liver function, and coagulation studies. This requirement elevates the standard of care by ensuring timely and accurate diagnostic testing. Risk management policies must now include protocols for regular lab maintenance, staff training on laboratory procedures, and stringent quality control measures to prevent errors and ensure patient safety.
Surgical Services: Expanding Capabilities and Managing Risks
Florida Bill SB 7016 allows ABCs to perform low-risk cesarean deliveries, manage immediate complications, and conduct certain surgical procedures such as circumcisions and post-partum sterilizations. This expansion necessitates a thorough review and update of surgical protocols to align with the new regulations. Risk managers must focus on ensuring that all surgical staff are adequately trained, that equipment is regularly inspected and maintained, and that comprehensive checklists are in place to minimize the risk of surgical complications.
Analgesia and Anesthesia Services: Ensuring Safe Practices
The legislation also stipulates that if general anesthesia is administered, a physician or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) must be present during the procedure and the recovery period. This requirement underscores the importance of having highly qualified professionals on hand to manage anesthesia-related risks. Policies must be developed to ensure compliance with these standards, including the presence of qualified personnel, proper monitoring of patients, and adherence to post-anesthesia care protocols.
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