Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 111-2-2-.25 : RULES OF DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH —2 - HEALTH PLANNING —2-2 - CERTIFICATE OF NEED —2-2-.25 - Specific Review Considerations for Freestanding Birthing Centers

(1) A Certificate of Need for a proposed new freestanding birthing center will be issued only if the services to be provided are consistent with the philosophy of family-centered care as defined in the State Health Plan and if there is evidence of safe and quality service at a charge lower than charges for deliveries provided on an inpatient basis.
(2) The applicant must agree to meet the rules and regulations for the development and operation of birthing centers required by the Healthcare Facility Regulation Division.
(3) The applicant must provide evidence that the birthing center will function as part of the established regionalized system of perinatal care. This includes arrangements for referral of those clients who develop complications that make them ineligible for delivery at the birthing center.
(4) A birthing center must have a written agreement for transfer and emergency services with a backup hospital(s) that provides at least Level II perinatal services. Each physician practicing at the center must have admitting privileges at the backup hospital.
(5) It must be demonstrated that agreements for ambulance service are available. In emergency situations, the center must have the capability of transporting the adult and/or newborn patients to the backup hospital within 30 minutes from initiation of transfer to the arrival at the hospital.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 111-2-2-.25

O.C.G.A. §§ 31-2et seq., 31-6 et seq.

Original Rule entitled "Specific Review Considerations for Freestanding Birthing Centers" adopted. F. Dec. 16, 2004; eff. Jan. 5, 2005.
Amended: F. Mar. 11, 2022; eff. Mar. 31, 2022.