The ODH Maternity Licensure Survey involves a nurse surveyor on site for two days and begins with an introductory presentation regarding services and accomplishments focused on improvement and change since the previous year’s licensure. This includes a tour of the unit, including Labor & Delivery and the Special Care Nursery, during which time the physical condition of these units is noted. The surveyor speaks with patients and their families, as well as the staff of the units.

Staffing, competencies, human resource files, orientation plans and ongoing education records are all made available as requested. Specific medical records are made available for intense review according to specific patient types, noting accuracy, relevance, completion of documentation, and standardization of practice.

 “Though there are always valid points of discussion, and the opportunity to ask for suggestions or advice, Marion General Hospital again earned a citation free result,” says Marilyn Melison, interim director of the Center for New Beginnings. “This is the best possible outcome from the ODH survey, and I am proud of all of our staff involved in the care of our mothers and babies.”