R386-702-16. Special Measures for the Control of Ophthalmia Neonatorum

(1) Every physician or midwife practicing obstetrics or midwifery shall, within three hours of the birth of a child, instill or cause to be instilled in each eye of such newborn 0.5% ophthalmic erythromycin ointment to prevent the development of ophthalmia neonatorum. (2) If this ointment is not available due to a disruption in distribution or manufacturing, a physician or midwife shall apply or cause to be administered an alternative treatment to newborns at risk for exposure to Neisseria gonorrhoeae included in the Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021, incorporated by reference in Section R386-702-3.