Senate Approves Birth Center Option
Air Date:02/01/2011
By Kealey Bultena
A bill that licenses birth centers is on its way to the South Dakota House of Representatives.
Senators approved the measure this week. Republican Senator Jean Hunhoff says the legislation offers women with normal pregnancies another health care option.
"This bill provides an alternative – a safe one – to a hospital, so that it gives the Department of Health the appropriate regulatory authority to ensure quality health care services will be provided by qualified, licensed health care professionals," Hunhoff says.
The bill requires birth centers to be within half an hour of a hospital, in case medical attention is needed.
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