Read the full stored bill text
As Introduced
136th
General Assembly
Regular
Session
S. B. No. 140
2025-2026
Senators Ingram, Reynolds
Cosponsors: Senators Smith, Craig
To
enact section 3702.35 of the Revised Code
regarding
freestanding birthing centers.
BE
IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF OHIO:
Section
1.
That
section 3702.35 of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows:
Sec.
3702.35.
(A)
As used in this section:
(1)
"Commission for the accreditation of birth centers" means
the organization known by that name or its successor organization.
(2)
"Freestanding birthing center" means a facility, or part of
a facility, that provides care during pregnancy, delivery, and the
immediate postpartum period to a low-risk expectant mother.
"Freestanding birthing center" does not include a hospital
licensed under Chapter 3722. of the Revised Code.
(B)
Each freestanding birthing center shall have a written plan for the
transfer of a mother or a newborn to a hospital in the event of
medical complications, emergency situations, or as the need arises.
(C)
No freestanding birthing center accredited by the commission for the
accreditation of birth centers shall be required to establish a
written transfer agreement with a hospital.
(D)
A freestanding birthing center that is not accredited by the
commission for the accreditation of birth centers shall have a
written transfer agreement with a local hospital.