The bill S.18 proposes the establishment of a licensing framework for freestanding birth centers in Vermont, ensuring that these facilities are not subject to certificate of need review. It introduces a new chapter, Chapter 53, to the Vermont Statutes Annotated, which defines a birth center and outlines the requirements for obtaining a license, including application procedures, fees, and standards for operation. The bill mandates that health insurance plans and Medicaid cover prenatal, maternity, postpartum, and newborn services provided at licensed birth centers, thereby expanding access to these services.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to clarify that birth centers are excluded from certain regulatory reviews and requires the Agency of Human Services to seek federal approval for Medicaid coverage of services provided at these centers. The effective date for the act is set for January 1, 2026, with a stipulation for the Agency to submit its request for Medicaid coverage by July 1, 2025. This legislation aims to enhance maternal and newborn care options while ensuring that birth centers meet established health and safety standards.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 8-4099d, 18-9435(a), 18-9435