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Bill

HB 1380

Health Care Facilities - Hospitals and Freestanding Birthing Centers - Perinatal Care Standards

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Gabriel Acevero and 23 co-sponsors

Maryland law now mandates perinatal care standards for hospitals and birthing centers to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes and safety.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 709
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Bill Summary · HB 1380

Legislative bill overview

HB 1380 establishes new perinatal care standards for hospitals and freestanding birthing centers in Maryland, requiring facilities to meet specific criteria for maternal and newborn health services. The bill has been signed into law and sets minimum operational and safety requirements for facilities providing childbirth services.

Why is this important

Perinatal care standards directly affect maternal mortality rates, infant health outcomes, and access to safe delivery services—critical public health metrics where Maryland, like many states, has seen disparities across demographic groups. Standardized requirements ensure consistent quality of care regardless of where pregnant individuals choose to deliver.

Potential points of contention

  • Compliance burden and costs: Smaller or rural birthing centers may struggle to meet new standards, potentially reducing birth services availability in underserved areas
  • Freestanding center regulation: Balancing safety oversight with preserving access to non-hospital birth options, which some advocate prefer but others view as higher-risk
  • Implementation timeline: Whether existing facilities have adequate time and resources to achieve compliance without service disruptions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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