SECTION 310:616-3-1. Licensure

(a)   Applicant. Any individual, public or private organization desiring to establish a birthing center may apply and obtain a license from the Department. A license is not mandatory to operate a birthing center.

(b)   Application. The application for a birthing center license shall be filed on a form prescribed by the Department.

(c)   Expiration/renewal. The birthing center license shall expire one year from the date of issue, unless suspended or revoked. An application for renewal shall be submitted according to the act.

(d)   Conditions for licensure.

(1)   The license is valid only for the location indicated on the license.

(2)   The license is not transferable or assignable.

(3)   The Department shall be notified within thirty days of change of administrator.

(4)   The Department shall be notified within thirty days of change in business name and/or address.

(5)   The Department shall be notified in writing when the center closes and the administrator shall return the license to the Department.

(6)   A licensed birth attendant shall be available twenty-four hours a day.

(7)   A transfer agreement shall be in place between the birthing center and a hospital which has obstetrical services where the medical director has obstetrical admitting privileges. The hospital shall be located not more than 30 minutes from the birthing center.

[Source: Added at 9 Ok Reg 1715, eff 4-23-92 (emergency); Added at 9 Ok Reg 1979, eff 6-11-92]