Statutory updates relevant to Birth Centers and regulatory update timeline

 

To: Birth Centers From: HFEMSD On May 28, 2021, Governor Polis signed Senate Bill 21-101, Concerning the Continuation of Direct-Entry Midwives, a portion of which impacts licensed Birth Centers subject to 6 CCR 1011-1, Chapter 22. This law expands the settings where a Direct-entry midwife may practice to include birth centers. This law, and this expanded scope, are effective Sept. 1, 2021. This means that regardless of any conflicting regulatory language, direct-entry midwives may practice in licensed Birth Centers. All birth centers will be held to this standard on survey.   The Department recognizes that there are portions of Chapter 22 that will need to be updated to harmonize the regulations with the newly enacted law. However, until such a time as the Department can complete the rulemaking process, State law controls. The Department is tentatively scheduled to begin a comprehensive review of Chapter 22 in October 2023. Before stakeholder meetings begin, we encourage all impacted stakeholders to send us any questions or concerns with the existing regulations. More information on the rulemaking process will be sent closer to that date.   A link to the signed legislation made by found at this link: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2021a_101_signed.pdf   And the Department’s current Chapter 22 regulations may be found at this link: https://www.sos.state.co.us/CCR/GenerateRulePdf.do?ruleVersionId=8506&fileName=6%20CCR%201011-1%20Chapter%2022   If you have any questions on this message, the new legislation or the rulemaking process, please contact Anne Strawbridge, Policy and Regulation Services Manager at anne.strawbridge@state.co.us   For all other questions related to Birth Centers please contact Erica Brudjar, Acute Care Section Manager at Erica.brudjar@state.co.us