Overview of Substantive Changes - 9th Edition
Standard 1: A requirement is added that units be designed with a sufficient number of single-family rooms (SFRs) to meet the needs of parents who wish to stay with their babies.
- Rationale: There is now good evidence that SFRs lead to improved outcomes, reduced costs, and improved parent and staff satisfaction. There is also evidence that parents are the “active ingredient” for this improvement, and that placing a baby in a private room when the family is rarely present may be detrimental. These babies, as well as multiples, may be better cared for in multi-bed rooms.
Standard 4 (NEW): A new standard for Signage and Art provides guidance making for making these supportive and informative.
Standard 6: The requirement for clear floor space at each infant bed has been increased to 150 square feet.
- Rationale: Experience and space diagrams have shown that family space is compromised with the previous minimum standard of 120 square feet.
Standard 7: The minimum size requirement for single-family rooms has been increased to 180 square feet.
- Rationale: Experience and space diagrams have shown that family space is compromised with the previous minimum standard.
Standard 8 (NEW): Design guidelines are created for Couplet Care rooms when they are included in the functional program.
Standard 16: A requirement for counseling room(s) is added.
Standard 29: Leq has been replaced by L50. The L10 has been raised while the Lmax has been eliminated.
- Rationale: These changes are intended to make the standard more intuitive and realistic.
Standard 30 (NEW): A standard is created that requires simulation activities to identify latent safety hazards after design is completed but before occupancy.
There are a number of other minor changes in the Recommended Standards that enhance the environment of care in the NICU but will not create major changes in how NICUs are designed.