Maternity

• Hospital Maternity Units
• Maternity Homes
• Freestanding Birthing Centers
• Exempted Birthing Centers

While hospitals are not licensed in Ohio, the maternity unit within a hospital is licensed by ODH under the provisions of Chapter 3711 of the Revised Code. Maternity units and maternity homes are subject to this statute and the rules that set the standards for operation are found at Chapter 3701-7 of the Ohio Administrative Code. A maternity unit is any hospital unit or place where women are received and care is provided during all or part of the maternity cycle, and/or where newborn infants are received and care is provided. A maternity home is a residential facility for pregnant women where medical care, counseling services, and educational and recreational opportunities are offered during the prenatal and postpartal periods. Maternity homes may provide nursery services for infants awaiting placement through an adoption agency. Currently, over and above licensing requirements, hospital maternity units must meet the requirements set forth by the Health Care Services quality rules for obstetrical and newborn services. These requirements are found in sections 3701-84-42 thru 60 of the Ohio Administrative Code.  However, with the revision of Chapter 3711 of the Revised Code in 2008 the application of the Health Care Service rules to maternity units will sunset with the publication of new rules in Chapter 3701-7 of the Administrative Code.   Freestanding birthing centers or “birth centers” are licensed as Health Care Facilities in Ohio. The rules for birthing centers are found at sections 3701-83-33 thru 42 of the OAC. Birth centers are limited to serving “low risk” expectant mothers, but may provide services during pregnancy, delivery, and the immediate postpartum period. A physician or a certified nurse midwife in collaboration may direct birth center patient services with a physician.  Birth centers owned and operated by a religious entity and that provide services exclusively to women who are members of that religious denomination, sect, or group are not required to obtain a license under section 3702.30 of the Revised Code.  These centers are, however, subject to minimum patient safety monitoring and evaluation requirements by the ODH under the provisions of section 3702.301 of the Revised Code.

Health Care Provider and Services: To obtain real-time information, generate, print and download reports regarding health care providers that are licensed and/or Medicare/Medicaid certified by the Ohio Department of Health.

Mailing Address:
Ohio Department of Health
Community Health Care Facilities & Services
246 North High Street, 2nd Floor
Columbus, OH 43215

Telephone: (614) 995-7466
Fax: (614) 387-2763

E-mail: community@odh.ohio.gov

Last Updated: 05/05/09

                                              ODH Programs / Community Health Care Facilities & Services