2022 Nevada Revised Statutes
Chapter 449 - Medical Facilities and Other Related Entities
NRS 449.198 - Requirements for obstetric center. [Effective through December 31, 2021.] Requirements for freestanding birthing center; prohibition on surgery; qualifications of director. [Effective January 1, 2022.]
An obstetric center must:
1. Provide sufficient space for members of the family of the pregnant woman and other persons chosen by the woman to assist her with the birth; and
2. Have obstetrical services available to meet the needs of an acute patient.
(Added to NRS by 1985, 1735)
1. A freestanding birthing center must:
(a) Provide sufficient space for members of the family of the pregnant person and other persons chosen by the pregnant person to assist with the birth;
(b) Have obstetrical services available to meet the needs of an acute patient; and
(c) Be located within 30 miles of a hospital that offers obstetric, neonatal and emergency services relating to pregnancy.
2. Surgery, including, without limitation, the use of forceps, vacuum extractions, cesarean sections and tubal ligations, must not be performed at a freestanding birthing center.
3. A freestanding birthing center must have a director who is responsible for the operation of the freestanding birthing center. The director of a freestanding birthing center must be:
(a) A physician;
(b) A person who:
(1) Is certified as a Certified Professional Midwife by the North American Registry of Midwives, or its successor organization; and
(2) Has successfully completed a program of education and training in midwifery that:
(I) Is accredited by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council, or its successor organization; and
(II) Provides instruction and training in the Essential Competencies for Midwifery Practice prescribed by the International Confederation of Midwives, or its successor organization; or
(c) A certified nurse-midwife.
4. As used in this section, "certified nurse-midwife" means a person who is:
(a) Certified as a Certified Nurse-Midwife by the American Midwifery Certification Board, or its successor organization; and
(b) Licensed as an advanced practice registered nurse pursuant to NRS 632.237.
(Added to NRS by 1985, 1735; A 2021, 3442, effective January 1, 2022)
