SB 140: Regards freestanding birthing centers
This bill introduces new regulations for freestanding birthing centers in Ohio. A freestanding birthing center is a facility that provides care during pregnancy, delivery, and the immediate postpartum period to low-risk expectant mothers. These centers must have a written plan for transferring mothers or newborns to a hospital in case of medical complications or emergencies. Accredited freestanding birthing centers are not required to have a written transfer agreement with a hospital, but non-accredited centers must have one. The goal of this legislation is to ensure that freestanding birthing centers have a safe and reliable system in place for transferring patients to a hospital if needed.
| Mar. 19, 2025 | Referred to committee: Health |
| Mar. 11, 2025 | Introduced |
As Introduced
6th General Assembly Regular Session 2025-2026
S. B. No. 140
Senators Ingram, Reynolds
Cosponsors: Senators Smith, Craig
To enact section 3702.35 of the Revised Code 1
regarding freestanding birthing centers. 2
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1. That section 3702.35 of the Revised Code be 3
enacted to read as follows: 4
Sec. 3702.35. (A) As used in this section: 5
(1) "Commission for the accreditation of birth centers" 6
means the organization known by that name or its successor 7
organization. 8
(2) "Freestanding birthing center" means a facility, or 9
part of a facility, that provides care during pregnancy, 10
delivery, and the immediate postpartum period to a low-risk 11
expectant mother. "Freestanding birthing center" does not 12
include a hospital licensed under Chapter 3722. of the Revised 13
Code. 14
(B) Each freestanding birthing center shall have a written plan for the transfer of a mother or a newborn to a hospital in the event of medical complications, emergency situations, or as the need arises.
S. B. No. 140 As Introduced
Page 2
(C) No freestanding birthing center accredited by the 19
commission for the accreditation of birth centers shall be 20
required to establish a written transfer agreement with a 21
hospital. 22
(D) A freestanding birthing center that is not accredited 23
by the commission for the accreditation of birth centers shall 24
have a written transfer agreement with a local hospital. 25