DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 536 Engrossed 2019 Regular Session Hilferty
Abstract: Provides for the licensing of free-standing birth centers and authorizes the Louisiana
Department of Health to publish rules and regulations for licensing standards.
Present law provides for criminal history checks on nonlicensed and licensed persons and licensed
ambulance personnel.
Proposed law adds free-standing birth centers to the list of enumerated employers.
Present law provides for the fees, licensing, and penalties of any legal entity currently operating or
planning to operate any of the facilities listed within the present law. Proposed law adds "free-
standing birth centers" to present law.
Proposed law authorizes the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to promulgate and publish rules
and regulations for the licensing of free-standing birth centers.
Proposed law defines "free standing birth center", "free-standing birth center services", "low risk
pregnancy", and "standards".
Proposed law provides that free-standing birth centers shall be licensed by LDH and that no such
center shall be established, operated, or reimbursed under the Medicaid program unless licensed to
provide such services as a free-standing birth center by LDH.
Proposed law provides for specific requirements of licenses of free-standing birth centers such as:
specific geographic location, the term and expiration date, the form of such license, and the location
of posting such license.
Proposed law provides that the rules and regulations promulgated by LDH shall be in accordance
with the Administrative Procedure Act; provides that such rules shall be in the interest of the health,
safety, welfare, and well being of persons receiving services from free standing birthing centers; and
that such rules are effective upon approval by the secretary of LDH and shall have the effect of law.
Proposed law provides for the process an applicant must follow to apply to be licensed as a free-
standing birth center by LDH.
Proposed law provides for the penalties of any entity operating as a free-standing birth center without
a license from LDH. Proposed law provides that any licensed free-standing birth center is subject to inspection of records
and reports by LDH.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 40:1203.1(3)(z), 2006(A)(2)(s), (B)(2)(j), and (E)(2)(x), and 2180.21-2180.28).
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Health and Welfare to the
original bill:
1. Make technical changes.