NAC449.61154. Medical records: Maintenance; access.

     1. An obstetric center shall maintain the records for each maternal patient admitted for care in the obstetric center in accordance with accepted professional practice.

     2. Only authorized personnel may have access to medical records of the obstetric center. Information contained in a medical record of a maternal patient must not be released without the written consent of the maternal patient or guardian except:

     (a) As required by law; or

     (b) As otherwise provided by the agreement on admission.

     3. A medical record must be in a format that may be readily and legibly reproduced when needed or requested.

     4. A licensee who ceases operation shall notify the Division of the arrangements made for access to and the safe preservation of medical records in the custody of the licensee.

     5. Medical records must not be removed from the obstetric center except upon the issuance of an order by a court of competent jurisdiction.

     6. A complete copy of the medical record for each maternal patient transferred from the obstetric center must be sent with the maternal patient to the facility receiving that patient.

     7. The medical record of a maternal patient discharged from the obstetric center must be completed within 20 days after the date that the maternal patient is discharged from the obstetric center.

     8. Each medical record must be protected against loss, destruction and unauthorized use.

     9. The medical record of a maternal patient must be retained for 5 years or more after the date that the maternal patient is discharged from the obstetric center.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Health, eff. 7-19-96; A by R044-97, 10-30-97)