The bill amends and reenacts section 16B-20-1 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, while repealing sections 16B-20-2, 16B-20-3, 16B-20-4, and 16B-20-5, which pertain to the licensure of birthing centers. The new language defines a "birthing center" as a facility organized to provide birthing services for pregnant clients, and specifies that these centers will not be subject to the licensure requirements of the Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification. This change aims to streamline the regulatory framework surrounding birthing centers, promoting their development and operation without the previous licensing constraints.

The repealed sections included provisions for the licensing process, application requirements, and penalties for operating without a license. The bill eliminates the need for a license to operate a birthing center, thereby removing the associated fees, application processes, and penalties for non-compliance. This legislative change reflects a shift towards encouraging the establishment of birthing centers as an alternative method of childbirth, while also simplifying the regulatory environment for such facilities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-2E-1, 16-2E-2, 16-2E-3, 16-2E-4, 16-2E-5, 16-2E-6, 16-2E-7, 16-2E-8, 16-2E-9, 16-2E-10, 16-2E-11
Committee Substitute: 16B-20-1, 16B-20-2, 16B-20-3, 16B-20-4, 16B-20-5