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.
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18 S. B. No. 140 Page 2
As Introduced
(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.
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