(a) Abortions on patients with a gestation up to and including twelve weeks as determined by the physician may be performed on an ambulatory basis, if the patient's medical condition permits.
(b) The following patients shall be treated for the abortion at a hospital that has received a license as a maternity unit from the Ohio Department of Health on an inpatient basis:
(1) Patients pregnant more than twelve weeks as determined by the physician;
(2) Patients having medical, surgical, gynecological or psychiatric conditions or complications as determined by the physician; and
(3) Patients having a sterilization procedure immediately following the abortion.
(c) Only qualified obstetricians and surgeons shall be permitted to perform abortions.
(d) Where general or local anesthesia is administered to abortion patients, it shall be administered pursuant to the requirements of Ohio R.C. Chapter 4731. An anesthesiologist shall supervise the staff administering anesthesia and shall be present on the premises at the abortion service at all times during the operative and post-operative period.
(e) Pathologic examination of all tissue removed from the uterus shall be performed routinely.
(f) Facilities shall be maintained or proper procedures provided for the incineration of human remains.
(g) Patients shall receive the following post-operative care:
(1) Patients whose pregnancy was terminated on an ambulatory basis shall be observed in the abortion service for a reasonable number of hours, not less than three, to ensure that no immediate post-operative complications are present. Thereafter, such patients may be discharged if their course has been uneventful.
(2) Patients in whom any adverse condition exists or in whom a complication is known or suspected to have occurred during or after the performance of the abortion shall remain in the abortion service for further observation or be transported to the hospital.
(h) Written instructions shall be issued to all patients in accordance with the rules of the physician in charge of the abortion service and shall include the following:
(1) Symptoms of complications to be looked for;
(2) Activities to be avoided;
(3) The specific telephone number to be used by the patient should any complication occur or question arise; and
(4) The date for a follow-up or return visit after the performance of the abortion, which shall be scheduled within two to six weeks, as indicated by the condition of the patient.
(Ord. 67-77. Passed 3-21-77.)