64C-6.001. Definitions - General

(1) “Neonate” – An infant less than 29 days of age or, for the purpose of this program, an infant past the age of 28 days who requires continuance of neonatal intensive care services.

(2) “Neonatologist” – A CMS consultant physician, as defined in Rule 64C-4.001, F.A.C., who is certified, or is eligible for certification by an appropriate board in the area of neonatal-perinatal medicine.

(3) “Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Centers (RPICC or centers)” – Specialized units within hospitals specifically designed to provide a full range of health services to women with high risk pregnancies and a full range of newborn intensive care services which have been designated by the Department of Health, and which meet the standards as defined herein for facilities, staffing and services or commit themselves to meeting and maintaining these standards within three years of designation as a center.

(4) “RPICC Data System” – A comprehensive automated information system which collects and correlates data from all 3 components of the Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Centers Program and provides periodic analysis of RPICC Program data.

(5) “RPICC Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Bed” – A patient care station in a RPICC with the capability of delivering special care to newborns including oxygen therapy, supplemental parenteral alimentation, constant electronic monitoring of vital signs, and with a minimum ratio of one member of the nursing staff to four patients.

(6) “RPICC Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Bed” – A patient care station with the capability of delivering total intensive care to newborns including total respiratory support, supplemental parenteral alimentation, constant electronic monitoring of vital signs, long term arterial catheterization, and with a minimum ratio of one member of the nursing staff to two patients, at all times, for the critical care of unstable neonates.

(7) “Waiver” – A written statement or verbal statement, followed by written documentation, by the Assistant Secretary for Children’s Medical Services which abandons the enforcement of any specific requirement of these standards for a specified period of time.

Rulemaking Authority 120, 383.19(1)(f), (g) FS. Law Implemented 383.19 FS. History–New 9-1-81, Amended 4-25-83, Formerly 10J-7.01, Amended 6-13-87, 5-15-96, Formerly 10J-7.001.