MN HF3046

Establishes licensure requirements for birth centers in Minnesota, effective January 1, 2011, with facilities required to obtain a license from the commissioner of health and maintain accreditation through the Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers (CABC).

Sets biennial license fee at $365 and temporary license fee at $365, with licenses valid for two years and temporary licenses valid for six months (renewable for an additional six months).

Limits birth center services to low-risk deliveries with restrictions prohibiting abortions, general or regional anesthesia, and limiting surgical procedures to those normally accomplished during uncomplicated births, though local anesthesia is permitted.

Defines "birth center" as a facility licensed for performing low-risk deliveries outside hospitals where births are planned away from the mother's usual residence following low-risk pregnancies with adequate prenatal care.

Appropriates $9,000 in fiscal year 2011 from the state government special revenue fund to the commissioner of health and requires a quality care evaluation report submitted to the legislature by January 15, 2014.