AB 55: Alternative birth centers: licensing and Medi-Cal reimbursement.

This bill would amend state laws related to alternative birth centers, also known as clinics that provide comprehensive perinatal services and delivery care. The changes would remove the requirement for these facilities to be certified providers of comprehensive perinatal services, allowing them to provide perinatal care that meets certain standards. The bill would also eliminate the proximity requirement, allowing alternative birth centers to operate independently. In place of this requirement, facilities would need to develop a written policy for hospital transfer, including arrangements for referral, transfer of care, provision of medical records, and estimated transfer time. Additionally, the bill would make technical changes to existing laws and impose a state-mandated local program by requiring facilities to follow new guidelines. The state would not be required to reimburse local…