Ohio Administrative Code
Title 3701 - Department of Health - Administration and Director
Chapter 3701-83 - Licensing Provisions for Health Care Facilities
Section 3701-83-34 - General provisions - freestanding birthing centers

(A) Freestanding birthing centers are licensed to provide care during pregnancy, birth, and the immediate postpartum period to the low-risk expectant mother and her newborn. Each center shall admit and retain only low-risk expectant mothers anticipating a normal full-term, spontaneous vaginal birth.

(B) Freestanding birthing centers shall consult with the attending physician or the CNM in consultation with the physician prior to providing services to low-risk expectant mothers exhibiting evidence of the following:

(C) Unless medical intervention or non-routine technology can be safely performed or administered by an attending physician at the freestanding birthing center, each freestanding birthing center shall transfer a patient requiring medical intervention or non-routine technology to a hospital or other appropriate health care setting that can meet the patient's needs. Medical intervention or non-routine technology includes:

(D) If an attending physician at a freestanding birthing center performs or administers any medical intervention or non-routine technology under paragraph (C) of this rule, the attending physician must remain with the patient throughout active labor and the immediate postpartum period.

(E) Each freestanding birthing center shall provide a home-like environment with adequate space for furnishings, equipment and supplies to provide comfortable accommodations for the number of patients and families served and the personnel providing services.

(F) In addition to the requirements established under paragraph (F) of rule 3701-83-09 of the Administrative Code, each freestanding birthing center shall establish and enforce written policies and procedures for the following: