The Alabama Department of Public Health is gathering public comments on a proposed set of rules that would require birthing centers to have oversight by a physician or medical director.
The rules would also require birthing centers to be within 30 minutes of a hospital with OB-GYN services.
“The real central issue that has generated debate is whether the model of care in freestanding birthing centers should require physician oversight directly or not — just tangential physician involvement — that’s been particularly a concern,” said Dr. Scott Harris, the state health officer.
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A birthing center serves as a specialized health care facility that follows a midwifery and wellness approach. Birthing centers are distinct from hospitals, operating independently, according to the American Association of Birth Centers.