CS/CS/HB 1099 Summary

• Creates a new category of "advanced birth center" licensed under Florida law that may perform cesarean deliveries, trial of labor after cesarean, and vaginal deliveries for patients at 37+ weeks gestation, operating 24/7 with a dedicated surgical suite.

• Advanced birth centers must meet standards equivalent to ambulatory surgical centers, employ or contract with an obstetrician, and comply with Florida Building Code and Fire Prevention Code standards for surgical facilities.

• Authorizes advanced birth centers to administer general anesthesia (by qualified personnel), perform postpartum sterilization and infant circumcisions, and use labor-inducing chemical agents beginning at the 39th week of gestation for patients with documented Bishop score of 8 or greater.

• Extends existing birth center regulations to advanced birth centers, including requirements for 24-hour discharge (vaginal) or 72-hour discharge (cesarean), prenatal care, infection control, consultant agreements, emergency transport protocols, and reporting of all births and deaths.

• Effective date: July 1, 2018; establishes licensing fees, inspection requirements, and criminal penalties (up to $500 fine) for operating an unlicensed advanced birth center.