Amend the bill, as and if amended, Part IB, Section 34, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, page 433, after line 5, by adding an appropriately numbered new proviso to read:
/ 34.___ (DHEC: Birthing Center Inspections) For this fiscal year, birthing centers must register an on-call agreement and any transfer policies with the department. The on-call agreement shall contain provisions which provide that the on-call physician is readily available to provide medical assistance either in person or by telecommunications or other electronic means, which means the physician must be within a reasonable drive of the birthing center, must be licensed in the State of South Carolina, and shall provide consultation and advice to the birthing center at all times it is serving the public. Furthermore, a birthing center shall document in its practice guidelines and policies the ability to transfer care to an acute care hospital with obstetrical and newborn services and must demonstrate this by: (A) coordinated transfer care plans, protocols, procedures, arrangements, or through collaboration with one or more acute care hospitals with appropriate obstetrical and newborn services; or (B) admitting privileges at one or more hospitals with appropriate obstetrical and newborn services by a birthing center's consulting physician. The department may assess a $25.00 registration fee for agreements containing such a provision. Birthing centers registering on-call and transfer policies in accordance with this proviso shall be deemed by the Department to be in compliance with Section 44-89-60(3) of the South Carolina Code and any implementing regulations for this fiscal year. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend sections, totals and title to conform.