Section 27.98. Prophylactic treatment of newborns

(a) Physicians and midwives attending women in childbirth shall instill in each eye of the newborn child, as soon as practicable after birth, either a 1% silver nitrate solution, or erythromycin ophthalmic ointment or solution as a single application in both conjunctival sacs, or appropriate medication approved by the Department.

(b) If the parent or guardian of the newborn child objects on the ground that the prophylactic treatment conflicts with the parent’s or guardian’s religious beliefs or practices, or if in the opinion of the attending physician treatment is not advisable, prophylactic treatment shall be withheld.

(c) An entry in the child’s hospital record indicating the reason for withholding treatment shall be made and signed by the attending physician and the parent or guardian.

The provisions of this § 27.98 amended May 4, 1984, effective May 5, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 1553; amended January 25, 2002, effective January 26, 2002, 32 Pa.B. 491. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (243678).

Notation

Authority

The provisions of this § 27.98 issued under section 2102(g) of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 532(g)); section 16 of the Disease Prevention and Control Law of 1955 (35 P. S. § 521.16); and section 803 of the Health Care Facilities Act (35 P. S. § 448.803).

Cross References

This section cited in 28 Pa. Code § 137.24 (relating to delivery room procedures); 28 Pa. Code § 139.23 (relating to delivery suite services); and 28 Pa. Code § 501.49 (relating to newborn infant care policies and procedures).