Birth Centers
Provider Type
- Physicians and Practitioners
- Participating Physician Groups (PPG)
- Hospitals
- Ancillary
Birth centers are required to provide a full range of pregnancy and postpartum services. These include psychosocial and nutritional assessments, childbirth education, and parenting support. All services must adhere to established midwifery and birth center care standards.
Hospital transfer policy
Birth centers must maintain a written hospital transfer policy. This policy must ensure:
- Immediate transfer of medical records to the receiving hospital.
- Direct verbal communication between the midwife and the hospital provider.
- Clear patient communication regarding estimated transfer time and emergency transport plans.
Licensing standards
Birth centers are not required to hold certification as Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program providers under Medi-Cal. However, birth centers must comply with midwifery and birth center care standards and maintain detailed written hospital transfer protocols that outline communication procedures.
Medi-Cal reimbursement
Facility-related delivery costs are reimbursed at a statewide all-inclusive rate, capped at 80 percent of the average hospital reimbursement. To qualify for reimbursement, birth centers must:
- Meet updated licensing standards.
- Use qualified providers, such as licensed midwives or certified nurse-midwives.
- Hold certification from the American Association of Birth Centers or an equivalent organization.