NICU Design Standards
These standards have now been disseminated to more than 25 countries and several hundred newborn ICUs, architectural firms, state planning agencies, and medical professionals. Because upgrading these standards is a continuing process, we are anxious to get your feedback regarding any changes or additions you think are important for these standards so that we can incorporate these into our discussions. In addition, we would like to know the impact these standards are having on neonatal unit design and care. Please contact us to let us know how you are using these standards.
Design Standards Download
NICU Recommended Standards April 1, 2019 (326k PDF)
Recommended Standards for Newborn ICU Design Proposal
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Design Standards Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Overview of Substantive Changes - 9th Edition
- The Newborn Intensive Care Unit
- Application of Standards
- NICU Standard 1: Unit Configuration
- NICU Standard 2: Location Within the Hospital
- NICU Standard 3: Family Entry and Reception Entry
- NICU Standard 4: Signage and Art
- NICU Standard 5: Safety/Infant Security
- NICU Standard 6: Minimum Space, Clearance, and Privacy Requirements for the Infant Space
- NICU Standard 7: Private (Single-Family) Rooms
- NICU Standard 8: Couplet Care Rooms
- NICU Standard 9: Airborne Infection Isolation Room(s)
- NICU Standard 10: Operating Rooms Intended for Use by Newborn ICU Patients
- NICU Standard 11: Electrical, Gas Supply, and Mechanical Needs
- NICU Standard 12: Ambient Temperature and Ventilation
- NICU Standard 13: Handwashing
- NICU Standard 14: General Support Space
- NICU Standard 15: Staff Support Space
- NICU Standard 16: Support Space for Ancillary Services
- NICU Standard 17: Administrative Space
- NICU Standard 18: Family Support Space
- NICU Standard 19: Family Transition Room(s)
- NICU Standard 20: Ceiling Finishes
- NICU Standard 21: Wall Surfaces
- NICU Standard 22: Floor Surfaces
- NICU Standard 23: Furnishings
- NICU Standard 24: Ambient Lighting in Infant Care Areas
- NICU Standard 25: Procedure Lighting in Infant Care Areas
- NICU Standard 26: Illumination of Support Areas
- NICU Standard 27: Daylighting
- NICU Standard 28: Access to Nature and Other Positive Distractions
- NICU Standard 29: Acoustic Environment
- NICU Standard 30: Usability Testing
- Delivery Room Standard
- Glossary
- References
- Committee Participants