For how many hours must maternity care be provided to a mother and newborn following a cesarean section in a licensed facility?

In New Jersey, the law mandates that a mother and her newborn are entitled to a minimum length of stay in a licensed healthcare facility following a cesarean section. The correct duration is 96 hours. This regulation is designed to ensure that both the mother and child receive adequate time for recovery and monitoring after the surgery.

The 96-hour requirement allows healthcare providers to manage any complications and provide essential postpartum care, including pain management and education about newborn care. Statutes highlight the importance of this recovery period, acknowledging the specific needs that arise post-cesarean delivery.

While options like 48 hours, 72 hours, and 120 hours might seem like plausible durations, they do not align with the established standard of care as outlined in New Jersey law. This ensures that mothers have sufficient support and medical attention during the critical early days of recovery. Thus, the law reinforces the principle of patient safety and quality health care following surgical childbirth.