IL HB3995

Establishes the Birth Center Licensing Act requiring all birth centers in Illinois to obtain a license from the Department of Public Health, with existing centers given 2 years after rule adoption to comply

Defines birth centers as non-hospital facilities with no more than 10 beds dedicated to low-risk, uncomplicated births that do not provide general anesthesia or surgery

Requires birth centers to obtain a certificate of need from the Health Facilities and Services Review Board, with priority given to facilities in medically underserved areas

Mandates birth centers establish transfer agreements with nearby birthing hospitals having at least Level 1 perinatal designation and become accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Freestanding Birth Centers or The Joint Commission

Sets Medicaid reimbursement rates for birth centers at no less than 75% of statewide average hospital facility payment rates for uncomplicated vaginal births and normal newborn care