Sec. 10.12.01.07. Surgical Abortion Services

A. Surgical abortion procedures shall be performed in a safe manner by a physician credentialed by the facility under Regulation .06 of this chapter.

B. An administrator, in consultation with the medical director, shall develop and implement policies, procedures, and protocols for the provision of surgical abortion services including but not limited to:

(1) Personnel;

(2) Pre-operative testing and examinations;

(3) Surgical procedures;

(4) Post-anesthesia care and observation;

(5) Discharge planning;

(6) Emergency services;

(7) Informed consent; and

(8) Safety.

C. The administrator shall ensure that the policies, procedures and protocols referenced in §B of this regulation are:

(1) Available on site at all times for reference; and

(2) Reviewed annually and revised as necessary.

D. Before conducting a surgical procedure, a physician or other qualified health professional shall conduct a history and physical examination.

E. If anything other than an unsupplemented local anesthetic is needed to accomplish a surgical procedure, a health practitioner as described in Regulation .08 of this chapter shall conduct a pre-anesthesia evaluation and document the anesthetic risk to the patient.

F. If the assessments required by §§D and E of this regulation are performed before the day of surgery, on the day of surgery a physician or qualified health professional shall reassess and document on the patient’s medical record any change in the patient's clinical status that could have an effect on the surgical procedure to be performed and the anesthesia to be used.

G. Discharge. Before discharge from the facility, the patient shall be evaluated by a physician or an appropriately trained health professional. This evaluation shall be documented in the patient’s record.