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Childbirth Centers

Childbirth centers provide care before, during and after delivery to low-risk mothers-to-be. The Centers are designed and equipped to provide care for the mother and newborn in a home-like setting and includes accommodations for support persons during the birthing process.

Mother and newborn bonding.
Photo courtesy of NACC

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Childbirth services are provided in a house or building organized to provide necessary staff and facilities to support the birthing process. 

These services are limited to mothers-to-be who do not have medical conditions that may complicate the birth. Women with complications must be transferred to a hospital to handle the accompanying risks for the mother and the child.

The Department of Health (DOH)  licenses and surveys Childbirth Centers to assure care is provided within established health and safety standards established by stature and rule.  DOH enforces the standards by periodically conducting surveys of these centers. 

State Statute and Rules

Statute: RCW 18.46
Rules: WAC 246-329 
Childbirth Centers complete law book

Application for State License:

For persons interested in the application process for state licensure of these centers, here are steps to follow.  

  1. Request a copy of the state regulations for establishing a Childbirth Center.  How to Contact Us
  2. Contact Department of Health Construction Review Services (CRS) at (360) 236-2944 for review and approval of construction documents.
  3. Following approval of construction documents submit the application along with the licensing fee to Office of Health Care Survey
  4. After review and acceptance of the application, DOH conducts an on-site survey before issuing a license.

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Washington State Department of Health
Facility Services Licensing
P.O. Box 47852
Olympia, WA 98504-7852
Phone: (360) 236-2905
Fax: (360) 236-2901 

Last Update : 07/21/2011 02:40 PM
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