SB 17: AN ACT relating to freestanding birthing centers.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 216B to define "freestanding birthing center"; require the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to promulgate administrative regulations to establish licensure standards for freestanding birthing centers; establish criteria for a medical director; establish requirements for obtaining written informed consent; require a written patient transfer agreement with a hospital that provides obstetric services; require a written patient transfer agreement with an emergency medical transportation service; exempt a center with no more than four beds from certificate-of-need requirements for establishing and licensing a freestanding birthing center; state intent not to limit or expand liability of a center or health care provider or facility; require medical malpractice insurance for freestanding birthing centers; prohibit abortions in freestanding birthing centers; amend KRS 216B.015 to include freestanding birthing centers in the definition of "health facility"; amend KRS 216B.020, 196.173, 211.122, 211.647, 211.660, 213.046, 214.155, 214.565, 214.567, 214.569, 216.2920, 216.2921, 216.2923, 216.2925, 216.2927, and 216.2970 to conform; require the cabinet to promulgate updated administrative regulations by December 1, 2025; provide that the Act may be cited as the Mary Carol Akers Birth Centers Act.

Sponsors

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. March 12, 2025reported favorably, to Rules
2. March 7, 2025to Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations (H)
3. March 4, 2025returned to Committee on Committees (H)
4. March 4, 20252nd reading
5. March 4, 2025taken from Committee on Committees (H)
6. February 28, 2025returned to Committee on Committees (H)
7. February 28, 20251st reading
8. February 28, 2025taken from Committee on Committees (H)
9. February 12, 2025to Committee on Committees (H)
10. February 12, 2025received in House
11. February 7, 20253rd reading, passed 34-0-3
12. February 6, 2025posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Friday, February 07, 2025

Showing 12 most recent of 17 actions. Full history