Public Law 75–144

That the health officer of the District of Columbia shall cause to be provided in suitable containers a 1 per centum solution of silver nitrate or other preparation which in his opinion is suitable for use as a prophylactic against inflammation of the eyes of the new-born child, the contents of each container being the exact quantity necessary for the treatment of one eye and two such containers shall be furnished for use

Administration at birth.

in each case of childbirth. It shall be the duty of each physician, midwife, or other person in attendance upon any case of childbirth to administer immediately upon delivery such solution as a prophylactic against inflammation of the eyes of said new-born child. It shall be the duty of each midwife or other person, except licensed physicians, to secure containers of such solution from the health officer for use in each case of childbirth.

Sec. 2.

Whenever any physician, midwife, or other person in attendance upon any case of childbirth finds that the new-born child has inflammation of the eyes, attended by a discharge therefrom, such physician, midwife, or other person shall communicate such fact in writing to the health officer within six hours after the existence of such discharge becomes known to such physician, midwife,

Duties of health officer.

or other person. Upon receipt of such communication the health officer, unless he finds such report to be incorrect, shall issue an order directing the parents of such child (or other person charged with its care) either to (1) place such child in the care of a registered physician or (2) submit immediately satisfactory proof of inability to pay for such medical service. If the health officer finds that the parents or such other person are unable

Hospital care where parents unable to pay.

to pay for such medical treatment, he shall order the parents (or such other person) to place the child in a hospital to be designated by the Board of Public Welfare and at the expense of said Board.

Sec. 3.

No person other than a registered physician shall treat any case of inflammation of the eyes, attended by a discharge therefrom, of a new-born child for any period longer than may be necessary to obtain the services of a registered physician.

Sec. 4.

Any person convicted of violating any provision of this Act, or any order or regulation issued pursuant to the provisions of this Act, shall be fined not more than $100 or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.