The "Perinatal Integration Act of 2025" aims to enhance the integration of midwives and birthing centers into the perinatal care system in South Carolina. The bill mandates the Department of Public Health to create regulations that facilitate collaboration between midwives, birthing centers, and hospitals, ensuring smooth transitions for mothers experiencing complications during childbirth. Key provisions include establishing access to 24-hour physician consultations, protocols for transferring patients to hospitals, continuing education for safe transfers, and data collection on transfer outcomes.

The bill explicitly defines "integrate" as promoting autonomy and collaboration without imposing supervision over midwives or birthing centers. It also clarifies that the regulations should not restrict the scope of practice or change existing licensure requirements for midwives and birthing centers, nor require hospitals to grant midwives hospital-admitting privileges. This legislation is designed to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes, particularly in rural and underserved communities, by enhancing the coordination of care across different healthcare providers.

Statutes affected:
01/30/2025: 44-89-110
Latest Version: 44-89-110