Florida Statutes
Chapter 383 - Maternal and Infant Health Care
383.318 - Postpartum Care for Birth Center Clients and Infants.


(1) A mother and her infant shall be dismissed from the birth center within 24 hours after the birth of the infant, except in unusual circumstances as defined by rule of the agency. If a mother or infant is retained at the birth center for more than 24 hours after the birth, a report shall be filed with the agency within 48 hours of the birth describing the circumstances and the reasons for the decision.
(2) A prophylactic shall be instilled in the eyes of each newborn in accordance with s. 383.04.
(3) The birth center shall provide a postpartum evaluation and followup care that includes all of the following:
(a) Physical examination of the infant.
(b) Metabolic screening tests required by s. 383.14.
(c) Referral to sources for pediatric care.
(d) Maternal postpartum assessment that incorporates mental health screening.
(e) Information on postpartum depression and the telephone number of the Family Health Line operated pursuant to s. 383.011.
(f) Instruction in child care, including immunization, breastfeeding, safe sleep practices, and possible causes of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death.
(g) Family planning services.
(h) Referral to secondary or tertiary care, as indicated.
(i) Provision of the informational pamphlet on infant and childhood eye and vision disorders created by the department pursuant to s. 383.14(3)(i).

History.—ss. 17, 27, ch. 84-283; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 5, ch. 94-217; s. 14, ch. 98-171; s. 2, ch. 2013-62; s. 3, ch. 2018-98; s. 2, ch. 2020-79.

Structure Florida Statutes

Florida Statutes

Title XXIX - Public Health

Chapter 383 - Maternal and Infant Health Care

383.011 - Administration of Maternal and Child Health Programs.

383.013 - Prenatal Care.

383.014 - Perinatal Mental Health Care.

383.015 - Breastfeeding.

383.016 - Breastfeeding Policy for “Baby-Friendly” Facilities Providing Maternity Services and Newborn Infant Care.

383.04 - Prophylactic Required for Eyes of Infants.

383.06 - Report of Inflammation or Discharge in Infant’s Eyes.

383.07 - Penalty for Violation.

383.11 - Reports.

383.13 - Use of Information by Department.

383.14 - Screening for Metabolic Disorders, Other Hereditary and Congenital Disorders, and Environmental Risk Factors.

383.141 - Prenatally Diagnosed Conditions; Patient to Be Provided Information; Definitions; Information Clearinghouse; Advisory Council.

383.145 - Newborn and Infant Hearing Screening.

383.146 - Infants and Toddlers Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing; Notice of Service Providers.

383.15 - Legislative Intent; Perinatal Intensive Care Services.

383.16 - Definitions; Ss. 383.15-383.19.

383.17 - Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Centers Program; Authority.

383.18 - Contracts; Conditions.

383.19 - Standards; Funding; Ineligibility.

383.216 - Community-Based Prenatal and Infant Health Care.

383.2161 - Maternal and Child Health Report.

383.2162 - Black Infant Health Practice Initiative.

383.21625 - Fetal and Infant Mortality Review Committees.

383.2163 - Telehealth Minority Maternity Care Pilot Programs.

383.30 - Birth Center Licensure Act; Short Title.

383.301 - Licensure and Regulation of Birth Centers; Legislative Intent.

383.302 - Definitions of Terms Used in Ss. 383.30-383.332.

383.305 - Licensure; Fees.

383.307 - Administration of Birth Center.

383.308 - Birth Center Facility and Equipment; Requirements.

383.309 - Minimum Standards for Birth Centers; Rules and Enforcement.

383.31 - Selection of Clients; Informed Consent.

383.3105 - Patients Consenting to Adoptions; Protocols.

383.311 - Education and Orientation for Birth Center Clients and Their Families.

383.312 - Prenatal Care of Birth Center Clients.

383.313 - Performance of Laboratory and Surgical Services; Use of Anesthetic and Chemical Agents.

383.315 - Agreements With Consultants for Advice or Services; Maintenance.

383.316 - Transfer and Transport of Clients to Hospitals.

383.318 - Postpartum Care for Birth Center Clients and Infants.

383.32 - Clinical Records.

383.324 - Inspections and Investigations; Inspection Fees.

383.325 - Inspection Reports.

383.327 - Birth and Death Records; Reports.

383.33 - Administrative Penalties; Moratorium on Admissions.

383.332 - Establishing, Managing, or Operating a Birth Center Without a License; Penalty.

383.3361 - Limitations on Civil and Administrative Liability.

383.3362 - Sudden Unexpected Infant Death.

383.33625 - Stephanie Saboor Grieving Parents Act; Disposition of Fetus; Notification; Forms Developed.

383.402 - Child Abuse Death Review; State Child Abuse Death Review Committee; Local Child Abuse Death Review Committees.

383.412 - Public Records and Public Meetings Exemptions.

383.50 - Treatment of Surrendered Newborn Infant.

383.51 - Confidentiality; Identification of Parent Leaving Newborn Infant at Hospital, Emergency Medical Services Station, or Fire Station.