Bill > HF887

This bill modifies the legal definition and classification of birth centers in Iowa by removing them from the category of institutional health facilities. Specifically, the bill amends several sections of the Iowa Code to redefine what constitutes a birth center, describing it as "a facility or institution, which is not an ambulatory surgical center or a hospital or in a hospital, in which births are planned to occur following a normal, uncomplicated, low-risk pregnancy." The bill strikes previous references to birth centers in existing definitions within sections 10A.711, 135.119, and 135.131, and updates the definition of "health facility" in section 135P.1 to explicitly include birth centers. By making these changes, the bill appears to be clarifying the legal status and classification of birth centers, potentially adjusting regulatory requirements or administrative categorizations. The bill is set to become effective on July 1, 2025, providing time for relevant state agencies and healthcare providers to prepare for the updated definitions and potential procedural changes.

Health and Social Services

Health And Human Services (House)

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF887