DOH Birthing / Childbirth Centers Application Washington : Department of Health
Organisation : Department of Health
Facility Name : Birthing / Childbirth Centers Application
State : Washington
Country : USA
Website : https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/facilities-z/birthing-childbirth-centers/about-birthing-childbirth-centers
What is DOH Birthing / Childbirth Centers?
Birthing / Childbirth Centers is For mothers with low-risk pregnancies, birthing/childbirth centers are an alternative to giving birth in a hospital. Birthing/childbirth center services are provided in a department-approved house or building that has a home-like setting. These centers are organized to provide necessary accommodations and staff to support a mother during her birthing process.
These services are limited to mothers-to-be who don’t have medical conditions that may complicate the birth. Women who develop complications during the birthing process must be transferred to a hospital to handle the accompanying risks for the mother and the child. The Department of Health licenses birthing/childbirth centers to ensure care is provided within health and safety standards established by statute and rule. The department enforces the standards by conducting on-site surveys of these centers. The department may also investigate centers in response to complaints alleging violation of standards and potential harm to patients.
How To Apply DOH Birthing / Childbirth Centers?
To Apply DOH Birthing / Childbirth Centers, follow the procedure are given below
The following form is required for completing the application process. Please download and print form.
License Application Packet (PDF) : https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/Pubs//505066.pdf?uid=62cff325c2360
In order to process your request:
Mail your application with initial documentation and your check or money order payable to:
Department of Health
P.O. Box 1099
Olympia, WA 98507-1099
Send other documents not sent with initial application to:
Birthing/Childbirth Center Credentialing
P.O. Box 47877
Olympia, WA 98504-7877
Contact us: 360-236-4700
Fees For DOH Birthing / Childbirth
The purpose of the fees section is to describe the fees associated with licensing, renewal and other charges assessed by the department.
(1) Childbirth centers licensed under chapter 18.46 RCW shall submit an annual fee of seven hundred thirteen dollars and zero cents to the department unless a center is a charitable, nonprofit, or government-operated institution under RCW 18.46.030.
(2) A change of ownership fee of one hundred seventy-eight dollars. A new license will be issued and valid for the remainder of the current license period.
(3) The department may charge and collect from a licensee a fee of eight hundred ninety-two dollars for
(a) A second on-site visit resulting from failure of the licensee to adequately respond to a statement of deficiencies;
(b) A complete on-site survey resulting from a substantiated complaint; or
(c) A follow-up compliance survey.
(4) A licensee shall submit an additional late fee in the amount of twenty-nine dollars per day, not to exceed five hundred ninety-five dollars, from the renewal date (which is thirty days before the current license expiration date) until the date of mailing the fee, as evidenced by the postmark.
(5) Refunds. The department shall refund fees paid by the applicant for initial licensure as follows:
(a) If an application has been received but no on-site survey or technical assistance has been performed by the department, two-thirds of the fees paid, less a fifty dollar processing fee; or
(b) If an application has been received and an on-site survey or technical assistance has been performed by the department, one-third of the fees paid, less a fifty dollar processing fee.
(c) The department may not refund applicant fees if:
(i) The department has performed more than one on-site visit for any purpose;
(ii) One year has elapsed since an initial licensure application is received by the department, but no license is issued because applicant failed to complete requirements for licensure; or
(iii) The amount to be refunded as calculated by (a) or (b) of this subsection is ten dollars or less.
Laws For DOH Birthing / Childbirth
The Laws For DOH Birthing / Childbirth are given below,
The following RCWs apply to birthing / childbirth centers:
Chapter 18.46 RCW – https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=18.46
The following WACs apply to birthing / childbirth centers:
Chapter 246-329 WAC – https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=246-329
License Requirements For Birthing / Childbirth
A current license issued by the Department of Health is required before operating or advertising a birthing/childbirth center. A license is effective for one year from the date it is issued. The licensing process for a birthing/childbirth center has several steps. These steps involve working closely with various offices within the department.
Step 1: Contact the department’s birthing / childbirth center program manager at 360-236-2929 to discuss the initial licensing process/steps and to confirm this type of license fits the community services you want to provide.
Step 2: Submit the birthing /childbirth center licensing application and fee to the department’s Credentialing/Licensing Office.
Along with the application, include the following documents:
** A copy of your Washington state business license, which includes your Uniform Business Identifier (UBI) number. For information on how to obtain a Washington state business license-Uniform Business Identifier number, see the Washington State Department of Revenue, Business Licensing Service website or call 800-451-7985.
** A criminal history background check and disclosure statement for the administrator and director of services in accordance with RCW 43.43.830-842.
Step 3: Submit a separate application and fee to the department’s Construction Review Services (CRS) to have your new or existing building reviewed and approved according to applicable building codes. The timeline for CRS to review and approve your building varies and may take several months if your building requires significant construction or renovation work in order to meet standards. Once CRS has approved your building for use as a birthing/childbirth center, the department’s survey office will be notified you’re ready for their inspections.
Note: CRS staff members can also provide technical assistance about a building you are considering to use as a birthing / childbirth center. This assistance can be done at your location. You can get upfront information on what the requirements are and learn about any obvious issues in an existing building. Technical assistance is most helpful near the beginning of your process to assist you in making informed purchasing decisions. Contact CRS at 360-236-2944 to discuss if scheduling a technical assistance would be beneficial.
Step 4: The department’s assigned surveyor will contact you and schedule an on-site inspection, usually within 30 days of referral. The surveyor will request that you email your policies and procedures for review and approval. It is typical for surveyors to identify deficiencies that need to be corrected before licensure is achieved.
Rules in Progress For Birthing / Childbirth
The rules writing process is open to the public. The public is welcome to take part in helping us write rules. Rules are also known as regulations, Washington Administrative Code, or WAC. The rule-making process includes public notices and workshops, and usually a public hearing before a rule becomes final.