Bill > SB176

This bill amends existing New Mexico law to include "freestanding birth center" as a type of "health facility" that requires licensure by the department, which refers to either the children, youth and families department or the department of health depending on the facility's services. Specifically, it modifies the section of law that outlines the process for licensing health facilities, adding a provision that a freestanding birth center accredited by the commission for accreditation of birth centers or its successor will be granted a license renewal based on that accreditation, similar to other health facilities that are accredited or certified by federal programs. This means that freestanding birth centers, which are facilities providing labor, delivery, and postpartum care outside of a hospital setting, will now be subject to the same licensing and renewal requirements as other health facilities, with a pathway for renewal based on accreditation.