Birthing Centers

A birthing center is an alternative means for a pregnant woman to deliver in a setting other than at home or in a hospital. A majority of the licensed birthing centers are operated by midwives and are concentrated on the Texas-Mexico border.

The Texas Birthing Center Licensing Act was first enacted in 1985 by the 69th Legislature. The staff of the Facility Licensing Group is responsible for licensing birthing centers. Birthing Centers are not Medicare certified.

The Facility Licensing Group also develops rules that establish minimum standards for birthing center licensing procedures, for inspections; for the conditions of a license; for denying, suspending, and revoking a license; for operational standards; for clinical standards; for license fees; and for access to records.

The licensing program shares information with the Midwifery I.D. Program of the Professional Licensing and Certification Division and with the Bureau of Vital Statistics for filing of birth certificates.

To become licensed, please see the How to Become a Licensed Birthing Center and License Application.

Notice to Medicaid Providers

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) notified the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) that birthing centers are not an eligible Medicaid provider under section 1905(a) of the Social Security Act.  Please see the entire notice (PDF 35KB) for more information.

Directories of Birthing Centers

Fees

Initial. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,000

Change of Ownership. . . . $2,000

Survey Components

A survey for birthing services rendered will be conducted within 90 days after the issuance of an initial license. Entrance conference with key facility personnel and department zone office staff. During the survey, zone office staff will explain the survey process and answer questions.

• Review clinical records
• Review facility policies and procedures
• Review quality assurance activities
• Review personnel records
• Interview staff
• Conduct site visits as applicable
• Exit conference with key facility personnel. Discuss survey findings.

Audit Tool

The audit tool is provided for use by your facility in preparation for a state licensure survey. We suggest you conduct an audit of your facility’s compliance to licensure standards prior to the scheduled or unannounced survey.

• Birthing Center State Audit Tool. Word File 234KB, 22 pgs.

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Texas Department of State Health Services, Health Facillity Licensing Program
1100 West 49th Street - Austin, Texas 78756 - (512) 834-6646

Last Updated May 12, 2006