Maternal Safety Requirements – Applicability for hospitals that do not provide OB services.
What is required for organizations that do NOT provide obstetric services?
Any examples are for illustrative purposes only.
Intent
The Joint Commission developed PC.06.01.01 (Hemorrhage) and PC.06.03.01 (Severe Hypertension and Preeclampsia) in 2019 and started surveying to the requirements on January 1, 2021. The goal of these 2 new standards is to help organizations plan, prepare, and practice for the 2 most common obstetrical emergencies that lead to the largest number of negative outcomes for mothers. Studies have shown that most cases with harm or death related to hemorrhage or severe hypertension/preeclampsia are preventable and early signs are missed.
Organizations that do not provide obstetric services
Intent
Organizations that do not provide obstetric services
- Standard PC.06.01.01 does not apply. Rationale: Most hemorrhages occur immediately after delivery while the patient is in the obstetrical unit.
- Standard PC.06.03.01 applies as it requires the development of role-specific education for postpartum severe hypertension/preeclampsia for emergency department staff. Rationale: There have been multiple instances of postpartum women seeking care in emergency departments for symptoms of high blood pressure or preeclampsia that have been discharged home who later experience severe harm or even death.
Note: Our standards are not intended to cover all possible complications associated with maternal safety. However, in addition to severe hypertension and preeclampsia, organizations that do not provide OB services may wish to consider additional scenarios which may present and require an urgent response.
Additional Resources
R3 Report: Maternal Safety
CMQCC Toolkit: Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
Additional Resources
R3 Report: Maternal Safety
CMQCC Toolkit: Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
Manual:
Hospital and Hospital Clinics
Chapter:
Provision of Care Treatment and Services PC
Last reviewed by Standards Interpretation: December 07, 2021
Represents the most recent date that the FAQ was reviewed (e.g. annual review).
First published date: November 29, 2021
This Standards FAQ was first published on this date.
This page was last updated on December 07, 2021
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