Certifications of Clinics for Abortion Rules

The proposed amendments and adoptions of rules in Chapter 10A NCAC 14E Certifications of Clinics for Abortion are in response to enactment of Session Law 2013-366 s.4(c), Part IV. Amend Women's Right to Know Act, which became effective on July 29, 2013. This act requires the Department of Health and Human Services to amend rules pertaining to clinics certified by the Department to be suitable facilities for the performance of abortions under G.S. 14-45.1. The Department was authorized to apply any requirement for the licensure of ambulatory surgical centers to the standards applicable to clinics certified by the Department to be suitable facilities for the performance of abortions.

These rules were drafted upon the recommendation of a stakeholder committee consisting of certified abortion clinic representatives, physicians, professional licensing agencies, the public, and DHHS staff. The rule language sets standards by which clinics shall address the on-site recovery phase of patient care, protect patient privacy, provide quality assurance, and ensure that patients with complications receive the necessary medical attention, while not unduly restricting access. In addition, the rules have been revised to be consistent with current medical terminology and standard best practices for the annual inspection process for certified clinics, building code and sanitation requirements, the governing authority responsibilities, the policies and procedures the clinic shall have on site, requirements to be included in the medical record, requirements to be included in personnel records and of clinic personnel, requirements of nursing staff and supervisor, and with procedure room procedures.

These rules seek to provide improvements in the care and safety of women who undergo abortion procedures.