The Texas Department of State Health Services has designated Odessa Regional Medical Center (ORMC) as a Level III Neonatal Facility (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) in Perinatal Care Region-J.

ORMC is one of only 21 hospitals in Texas with a Level III Neonatal Designation and the highest designated facility between El Paso and Fort Worth as well as San Antonio and Amarillo.  The designation is valid for a three-year period.

“ORMC is honored to receive this designation which represents our commitment to providing the highest quality care to these fragile newborns,” said Stacey Brown, President of ORMC. “We have always taken pride in our Neonatal services and strive every day to provide the best possible care to these special newborns through every step of their hospitalization.”

A Level III Neonatal Designated Facility must meet a list of requirements to be certified by the state. These requirements cover a number of areas including a Program Plan that requires strict adherence to standards of neonatal practice, quality improvement measures, and specific training, skill and competency of medical staff, and more. A complete list of requirements can be found here: http://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=25&pt=1&ch=133&sch=J&rl=Y

As part of House Bill 15, 83rd Legislature, Regular Session, 2013, (and H. B. 3433, 85th Legislature. Regular Session, 2015) the Perinatal Advisory Council will develop and recommend criteria for designation of neonatal and maternity levels of care. The maternal level of care recommendations are in process, and the rules for neonatal levels of care designation were adopted effective June 9, 2016.  More information on this rule can be found in the Texas Administrative Code(link is external).