OLYMPIA, Wash. – UPDATE: 3:00 p.m.
Representative Stephanie Barnard’s (R-Pasco) bill to streamline operations for accredited birthing centers in Washington has been signed by the governor.
Substitute House Bill 1824 eliminates the need for duplicative state licensure surveys for birthing centers accredited by a recognized national body. These centers must meet or exceed standards set by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).
“This new law is a win for families and maternal care providers across our state. We’re clearing out bureaucratic red tape so healthcare professionals can focus more on delivering care, not filling out redundant paperwork.” Rep. Barnard said in a release.
Under the new law, accredited birthing centers won’t need state surveys if their accrediting organization meets DOH standards and a recent on-site study has been conducted. However, the DOH will still manage initial licensure and inspections for non-accredited areas.
“Birthing centers are already meeting high national standards,” Rep. Barnard added. “It just didn’t make sense to require them to go through the same process twice.”
The bill passed unanimously and will take effect 90 days after the legislative session ends on April 27, 2025.
ORIGINAL COVERAGE:
Pasco Representative Stephanie Barnard continues to push a bill designed to reduce regulatory burdens on birthing centers across Washington State.
In a recent House floor debate, Rep. Barnard touted House Bill 1824 as a way to simplify the accreditation process, thereby enhancing access to maternity care statewide.
“Accreditation is a tough process. If anyone has gone through that, they understand how onerous it is. But in this circumstance, for our birthing centers in the state of Washington, it is that accreditation process that is over burdensome and costly. We have two separate organizations that do that accreditation. It is repetitive. A lot of the things are exactly the same.” Barnard said.
Under the proposed bill, accredited birthing centers would not be required to undergo an on-site survey or inspection for initial licensure if they meet certain criteria. These include having survey standards equivalent to those of the department and a recent on-site survey conducted within the last 24 months.
The Department of Health would retain the authority to inspect service areas not covered by the accrediting body and can conduct validation surveys on up to 10 percent of accredited applicants. This ensures continued oversight while easing the initial licensure process for birthing centers.
Barnard’s bill passed out of the House March 4. It’s scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Committee on Health and Long-Term Care March 6.
