Perinatal Regionalization

Perinatal Regionalization creates a system for referral to ensure high-risk pregnancies and low birth weight,preterm, or otherwise at-risk newborns receive consultation and access to risk-appropriate care.

In 2012, the American Academy of Pediatrics released a revised policy statement on levels of Neonatal Care that updates the designations to provide the following: 1) a basis for comparison of health outcomes, resource use, and health care costs; 2) standardizes nomenclature for public health; 3) uniform definitions for pediatricians and other health care professionals providing neonatal care; and 4) a foundation for consistent standards of service by institutions, state health departments, and state, regional,and national organizations focused on the improvement of perinatal care.

In September 2016, the State Perinatal Advisory Committee made a recommendation to the State Health Officer and the State Committee of Public Health to endorse as best practice the 2012 American Academy of Pediatrics Levels of Neonatal Care and the Alabama Perinatal Regionalization System Guidelines. On August 16, 2017, the Alabama Perinatal Regionalization System Guidelines was endorsed by the State Committee of Public Health as best practice to strengthen the perinatal system in the state.

• Alabama Perinatal Regionalization System Guidelines Analysis Tool
• Alabama Perinatal Regionalization System Guidelines