NE LB1234

Establishes the Freestanding Birth Center Act creating a state licensing framework for facilities providing midwifery care, low-risk deliveries, and newborn care for stays generally under 24 hours

Requires birth centers to be accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers (CABC) within six months of applying for licensure, with annual license renewal at $250

Prohibits general/regional anesthesia (including epidurals), labor induction with pharmacologic agents, cesarean sections, vacuum extractors, forceps, and continuous electronic fetal monitoring at birth centers

Mandates each birth center employ a certified nurse midwife as clinical director and restricts admission to low-risk, uncomplicated pregnancies with anticipated spontaneous vaginal delivery

Authorizes individual and group health insurance policies providing maternity benefits to cover services rendered by licensed providers or birth centers under the Act