Maternal and Neonatal Center Designation Program

Levels of maternal and neonatal care provide guidelines that help ensure mothers and infants receive care in a facility that has the personnel and resources appropriate for their level of risk. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released its policy statement for levels of neonatal care in 2012. In 2019, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine released the latest version of the Obstetric Care Consensus (OCC) outlining guidelines for levels of maternal care.  The requirements for each level of care are listed in Georgia Rules and Regulations 511-5-13.

The Georgia Department of Public Health, The Joint Commission (TJC), the American Academy of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Pediatrics now have a collaboration initiative to help reduce maternal mortality and morbidity along with improving outcomes for high-risk newborns.

Level I Maternal and Neonatal Center Designations Application Information

Hospitals seeking a designation as a Level 1 Maternal Center have the option of contacting the Department of Public Health Maternal Designation Program or The Joint Commission (TJC) Maternal Verification Program. 

Level I hospitals that seek designation with either DPH or TJC will submit a preliminary application, complete a Pre-Review Questionnaire, and host a multidisciplinary team for a site survey. 

To apply to The Department of Public Health Maternal Designation Program contact Maternal Designation Program.  To apply to The Joint Commission Maternal Verification Program contact The Joint Commission.

Fees

If the Level I Maternal Center chooses DPH Maternal Designation Program to verify their designation, there will be no fee.  If Level I Maternal Center chooses The Joint Commission Maternal Verification Program to verify their designation, DPH will cover a portion of the cost of the survey.

Level I hospitals seeking designation as a Neonatal Center should contact the DPH Neonatal Designation Program-LOC I.   The AAP does not survey Level I Neonatal Centers. 

Level II and Level III Maternal Center Designations Application Information

Hospitals seeking a designation as a Level II or Level III Maternal Center will apply to The Joint Commission (TJC) Maternal Verification Program.  Hospitals will submit a preliminary application (The Joint Commission), complete a Pre-Review Questionnaire, and host a multidisciplinary team for a site survey.  Within 90 days of the site survey, hospitals will submit an application to DPH, (DPH Application), which will include the site survey report.  DPH will issue the final determination. 

Fees

DPH has a partnership with TJC to cover a portion of the cost of the survey.  This is based on the level of survey needed. 

Level II and Level III Neonatal Center Designations Application Information

Hospitals seeking a designation as a Level II or Level III Neonatal Center will apply to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) NICU Verification Program. Hospitals will submit a preliminary application, complete a Pre-Review Questionnaire, and host a multidisciplinary team for a site survey. Within 90 days of the site survey, hospitals will submit an application to DPH, (DPH Application), which should include the site survey report. DPH will issue the final determination. 

Fees

DPH has a partnership with AAP to cover a portion of the cost of the survey.  This is based on the level of survey needed. 

Designated Maternal Facilities

Level I Maternal Facilities-NONE

 

Level II Maternal Facilities

Upson Regional Medical Center

801 W Gordon St.

Thomaston, GA  30286

Expires 10/02/2023

 

Level III Maternal Facilities

Augusta University Medical Center

1120 15th St

Augusta, GA  30912

Expires 10/08/2023

Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital

417 W 3rd Ave

Albany, GA  31701

Expires 10/27/2024

 

Designated Neonatal Facilities

Level I and Level II Neonatal Facilities-NONE

 

Level III Neonatal Facilities

Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital

417 W 3rd Ave

Albany, GA  31701

Expires 02/02/2025

 

Questions?  Contact DPH at Maternal/Neonatal Designation Program

Page last updated 3/7/2022