This bill amends various sections of the Iowa Code to remove birth centers from the definition of "institutional health facility." Specifically, it deletes references to birth centers in sections 10A.711 and 135.119, and modifies the definition of a birth center in section 135.131 to clarify that it is a facility where births are planned to occur following a normal, uncomplicated, low-risk pregnancy, rather than being classified under the previous definitions. Additionally, it updates section 135P.1 to include birth centers in the broader category of health facilities, but without the institutional designation.

By removing birth centers from the institutional health facility classification, the bill allows healthcare providers to create, relocate, expand, or offer new services in birth centers without the requirement of obtaining a certificate of need (CON) from the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing. This change aims to streamline the process for establishing and operating birth centers, thereby potentially increasing access to these facilities for expectant mothers. The bill also includes conforming changes to ensure consistency across the relevant sections of the Iowa Code.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 10A.711, 135.119, 135.131, 135P.1