D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, r. 5-A146

Current through Register Vol. 71, No. 49, December 6, 2024

Rule 5-A146 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE: SAFE SLEEPING AND RESTING PRACTICES

146.1

A Licensee that provides care for one (1) or more infants shall comply with the latest recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics ("AAP") with regard to safe sleep practices and reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome including any recommendation made by the AAP after the effective date of these regulations. If the AAP's latest recommendations differ from the requirements of this section, the Licensee shall comply with the latest recommendations from the AAP.

146.2

A Licensee that provides care for one (1) or more infants shall comply with the following requirements with regard to infant sleep and play position:

(a) Unless otherwise ordered by a physician or other qualified health care practitioner, each infant shall be placed on his or her back for sleeping;

(b) Each infant shall be placed on his or her stomach for some part of the day that he or she is awake and under staff supervision;

(c) A positioning device shall not be used to restrict the movement of an infant unless such device is ordered by a physician or other qualified health care practitioner;

(d) Soft materials or objects, such as pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, blankets, and stuffed toys, shall not be permitted in an infant's sleep environment;

(e) Bumper pads shall not be used in an infant's crib;

(f) An infant shall not be put to sleep on a sofa, soft mattress, waterbed, chair, cushion, or other soft surface; and

(g) An infant shall be removed from his or her crib for all feedings, and shall not be fed by means of a propped bottle.

146.3

If there is a medical reason a child cannot sleep on his/her back, the n the Licensee shall obtain a signed statement from the child's health practitioner stating a different sleep position is required. This statement shall remain in the child's record at the Facility.

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, r. 5-A146

Final Rulemaking published at 63 DCR 14640 (12/2/2016)