I. Background

In recent years, some medical institutions were exposed of misconduct in safety management for newborns. To strengthen their safety management and eliminate potential dangers, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) of the People’s Republic of China formulated a safety management system for newborns in medical institutions (for trial implementation).

II. Principles

i. Based on existing laws and regulations, including the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Medical Practitioners, regulations for medical institutions and regulations for nurses.

ii. With the objective of strengthening safety management and eliminating potential dangers, put forward clear requirements for infrastructure, medical technology and management measures at medical institutions.

III. Provisions In view of existing laws, regulations and clinical work experience, the safety management system has the following requirements:

i. Improve professional skills. Reinforce obstetric medical staffers’ diagnostic ability for newborns’ early symptoms by regular training.

ii. Strengthen safety management. Medical staffers with newborn resuscitation technology, equipment and medicine should be placed in delivery rooms. Improve access management system and handover procedure to ensure people’s identity and shift registration.

iii. Enhance awareness of risks. Reinforce hospital infection control, make a fire control contingency plan, troubleshoot potential risks and organize regular fire drills.

iv. Regulate disposing procedure. Report to the police or the Department of Civil Affairs, make proper arrangements for abandoned newborns, and record the arrangements. Duly handle stillbirths and dead infants pursuant to laws and regulations; otherwise staffers involved will assume legal responsibility.