Home Visits

Eligible mothers and infants who participate in early discharge shall be provided, upon agreement by the mother, a minimum of one home visit. The first home visit shall occur within 48 hours following discharge of the mother and infant and shall be conducted by a registered nurse, physician, or certified nurse midwife trained in maternal and infant care. Any subsequent visits determined to be clinically necessary shall be provided by a licensed health care professional or appropriately trained individual under the supervision of a licensed health care professional. Subsequent home visits for the mother and infant shall be based on need as determined by the attending practitioners in consultation with the mother. Minimum content of the first home visit includes review of relevant health history, physical examination of the mother and infant, performance of newborn screening tests, assessment/teaching of maternal self-care, infant care, breast/bottle feeding, and the need for social support communication with primary obstetric and pediatric health providers and referral to appropriate follow-up resources. Refusal of any services as specified in 105 CMR 130.665 shall be documented.