Fla. Stat. 383.318
Postpartum care for birth center clients and infants
(1)
Except at advanced birth centers that must adhere to the requirements of subsection (2), a mother and her infant must be dismissed from a 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 her infant is retained at the birth center for more than 24 hours after the birth, a report must be filed with the agency within 48 hours after the birth and must describe the circumstances and the reasons for the decision.(2)(a)
A mother and her infant must be dismissed from an advanced birth center within 48 hours after a vaginal delivery of the infant or within 72 hours after a delivery by cesarean section, except in unusual circumstances as defined by rule of the agency.If a mother or her infant is retained at the advanced birth center for more than the timeframes set forth in paragraph (a), a report must be filed with the agency within 48 hours after the scheduled discharge time and must describe the circumstances and the reasons for the decision.(2)(a)
A mother and her infant must be dismissed from an advanced birth center within 48 hours after a vaginal delivery of the infant or within 72 hours after a delivery by cesarean section, except in unusual circumstances as defined by rule of the agency.(b)
If a mother or her infant is retained at the advanced birth center for more than the timeframes set forth in paragraph (a), a report must be filed with the agency within 48 hours after the scheduled discharge time and must describe the circumstances and the reasons for the decision.(3)
A prophylactic shall be instilled in the eyes of each newborn in accordance with s. 383.04.(4)
The birth center shall provide a postpartum evaluation and followup care that includes all of the following:Physical examination of the infant.Metabolic screening tests required by s. 383.14.Referral to sources for pediatric care.Maternal postpartum assessment that incorporates mental health screening.Information on postpartum depression and the telephone number of the Family Health Line operated pursuant to s. 383.011.Instruction in child care, including immunization, breastfeeding, safe sleep practices, and possible causes of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death.Family planning services.Referral to secondary or tertiary care, as indicated.Provision of the informational pamphlet on infant and childhood eye and vision disorders created by the department pursuant to s. 383.14(3)(h).(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)(h).
Source:
Section 383.318 — Postpartum care for birth center clients and infants, https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/0383.318 (accessed Aug. 7, 2025).