Bill > AB55

This bill modifies regulations for alternative birth centers (ABCs) by removing the requirement that they be certified providers of comprehensive perinatal services as defined by Medi-Cal, while still mandating that they provide comprehensive perinatal services consistent with midwifery and birth center care standards. The bill replaces the previous proximity requirement to hospitals with a new mandate that ABCs develop a detailed written hospital transfer policy, which must include specific arrangements for patient referral, transfer of care, medical record sharing, estimated transfer times, and a clear emergency transfer plan. For Medi-Cal reimbursement purposes, the bill maintains the existing cap on reimbursement rates at 80% of average hospital rates and allows ABCs to use licensed midwives, certified nurse-midwives, certified nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists. The bill also requires ABCs to inform patients about child passenger safety laws and restraint system programs. While creating new requirements for ABCs that could potentially be considered a crime if violated, the bill stipulates that no additional reimbursement is required from the state for implementing these changes. The goal appears to be increasing flexibility for alternative birth centers while maintaining patient safety and care standards.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB55