LAC 48:I.9525. General Provisions

A. Pediatric services shall be under the medical direction of a qualified physician who is a member of the medical staff with pediatric privileges and appointed by the governing body. Hospitals admitting children shall have proper facilities for their care apart from adult patients and the newborn, in accordance with hospital policies and procedures. Pediatric and adolescent patients, to the extent their condition permits, shall be grouped together in distinct units or district areas of general units separate from adults. Pediatric patients shall not be placed in rooms with adult patients. B. The hospital shall ensure that there are policies and procedures in place and implemented in accordance with acceptable, nationally recognized standards of practice and/or guidelines, to promote the safety and security of pediatric patients. Subchapter J of these requirements. In hospitals with a separate designated pediatric unit subsequent to March 1, 1995, the maximum number of beds permitted in each pediatric room shall be four and shall meet the same spatial standards as specified in Subchapter J of these requirements. C. In hospitals with a separate designated pediatric unit in existence prior to March 1, 1995, the maximum number of beds permitted in each pediatric room shall be eight and shall meet the same spatial standards as specified in Subchapter J of these requirements. In hospitals with a separate designated pediatric unit subsequent to March 1, 1995, the maximum number of beds permitted in each pediatric room shall be four and shall meet the same spatial standards as specified in Subchapter J of these requirements.