The bill amends the Public Health Code to update definitions and provisions related to health facilities and agencies, particularly focusing on freestanding abortion clinics and freestanding birth centers. It introduces new definitions for these facilities and establishes a new section, 22224d. The bill clarifies the meanings of "certification" and "health facility or agency," expanding the categories of facilities included under these definitions. It also implements a new fee structure, including a $500 license fee for freestanding abortion clinics and birth centers, and outlines a quality assurance assessment process for nursing homes and hospital long-term care units.

Significantly, the bill modifies the quality assurance assessment process, stating that starting October 1, 2027, the department will no longer assess or collect these assessments or apply for federal matching funds. It mandates that any collected assessments from facilities ineligible for federal matching funds be returned. Additionally, the bill sets forth regulations for freestanding abortion clinics, requiring them to adhere to specific operational standards, including the prohibition of general or regional anesthesia and limitations on elective abortions based on gestational age. The enforcement of these regulations will be delayed for one year post-enactment, and there will be no new requirements for third-party reimbursements or worker's compensation benefits for services at these clinics.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 333.20104