The proposed Freestanding Birth Center Act in Nebraska aims to regulate the operation and licensing of freestanding birth centers, which provide healthcare services for low-risk pregnancies in a home-like environment. The bill mandates that these centers be licensed by the state Licensing Agency, which will establish operational standards. It requires the employment of a clinical director who is a certified nurse midwife and outlines specific criteria for patient admission, emphasizing that only low-risk, uncomplicated pregnancies are eligible for care. The legislation also includes provisions for the licensing process, application fees, renewal procedures, and consequences for non-compliance, while prohibiting the use of general or regional anesthesia and limiting surgical services.

Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for patient responsibilities and health record maintenance, mandating that birth centers develop a plan outlining patient responsibilities and maintain comprehensive health records. It requires written policies for record maintenance, including confidentiality and patient access, and mandates data collection mechanisms to assess care efficacy. Birth centers must file a certificate of birth for each delivery and develop a continuity of care plan in the event of permanent closure. The bill also allows health insurance policies to cover maternity services provided by licensed birth centers, thereby expanding access to maternity care.