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LR 245

Interim study to examine the feasibility, accessibility, and potential benefits of licensed freestanding birth centers in Nebraska

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Ashlei Spivey

The bill initiates a formal study to assess feasibility, access, and potential benefits of licensed freestanding birth centers for improving Nebraska’s maternal care.

Notice of hearing for December 03, 2025
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Bill Summary · LR 245

Summary of Nebraska LR 245 (2025)

Overview

LR 245 is a legislative resolution introduced May 15, 2025, during the 109th Nebraska Legislature’s first session. The resolution designates an interim study by the Health and Human Services Committee to examine the feasibility, accessibility, and potential benefits of licensed freestanding birth centers in Nebraska. A hearing is scheduled for December 3, 2025.

Purpose

  • To assess whether licensed freestanding birth centers can improve maternal health outcomes, expand access to perinatal care, and offer safe, cost-effective alternatives for low-risk pregnancies in Nebraska.
  • To evaluate how birth centers could fit into Nebraska’s maternal healthcare infrastructure and statewide health policy.

Key Provisions / Scope of the Study

The study shall include, but is not limited to:
1. Review of Nebraska statutes, regulations, and licensure requirements related to birth centers.
2. Analysis of access to perinatal care across Nebraska, with emphasis on rural and low-income areas.
3. Review of regulatory models from other states.
4. Assessment of birth centers’ impact on maternal and child health outcomes, patient satisfaction, and cost of care.
5. Identification of implementation factors, including financial, regulatory, and geographic implications.
6. Exploration of the role of state policy in birth center regulation, access to care, and related health impacts.

Process and Methodology

  • The Health and Human Services Committee may consult with families, healthcare providers, public health experts, relevant state agencies, and community organizations to evaluate the impacts and viability of birth centers as part of Nebraska’s maternal healthcare infrastructure.

Beneficiaries and Affected Parties

  • Pregnant individuals and families considering birth options.
  • Birth center operators and potential healthcare providers.
  • Hospitals, clinics, and other perinatal care facilities.
  • Rural and low-income communities facing access barriers to obstetric care.
  • State agencies involved in health policy and regulation.

Timeline and Procedural Details

  • Status: Notice of hearing scheduled for December 3, 2025.
  • Introduced: May 15, 2025.
  • Referred to: Executive Board (May 15, 2025); Health and Human Services Committee (May 19, 2025).
  • Report: Upon study completion, findings and recommendations are to be submitted to the Legislative Council or Legislature.

Sponsorship

  • Primary sponsor: Senator Spivey; co-sponsor: Senator Storer.

Potential Impact (Contextual)

LR 245 does not enact new licenses or standards itself but initiates a formal review of whether licensed freestanding birth centers are feasible and beneficial in Nebraska. Depending on findings, the study could inform future legislation or policy adjustments related to birth center licensure, funding, regulatory requirements, and strategies to improve rural maternal health access.

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

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