OAR 333-021-0800: Administration of Vitamin K to Newborns

(1) The purpose of ORS 433.303 to 433.314 is to protect newborn infants against Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB). (2) Physicians licensed under ORS chapters 677, 684 and 685 (medical, osteopathic, naturopathic and chiropractic physicians) or a midwife attending the mother at the birth of a child are responsible for ensuring that Vitamin K is administered to the newborn. The Vitamin K dose is to be administered within the first 24 hours after birth. If for any reason Vitamin K is not administered within 24 hours, it should be done at the earliest opportunity. A physician or midwife ensures that Vitamin K is administered to a newborn by: (a) Administering the Vitamin K themself; (b) Directing another person who is legally authorized and who is able to administer the Vitamin K; or (c) Referring the infant's family to a practitioner legally authorized to obtain and administer Vitamin K. (3) The appropriate dose of Vitamin K (phytonadione) for a newborn is 0.5 to 1.0 mg and the most effective procedure for administering is through a single intramuscular dose. Smaller, larger or additional doses may be administered on an individual basis as judged medically necessary. This rule is not intended to prevent a physician or midwife from ensuring that Vitamin K is administered by another method after seeking informed consent from the parent. (4) A parent may, after being provided a full and clear explanation, decline to permit the administration of Vitamin K. (a) The parent shall sign a form acknowledging understanding of the reason for administration of Vitamin K and possible adverse consequences. (b) A person must witness the explanation to the parent, and must also sign the form. (c) The form shall become a part of the medical record of the newborn infant.