31-2A-71. Establishment; membership; operation; provision of services; budget request.

There is established the Regional Perinatal Center Advisory Committee for the purpose of considering and making recommendations to the commissioner concerning the addition, reduction, or transition of regional perinatal centers in this state. The committee shall advise the commissioner on the estimated costs to the department necessary to implement such recommendations.#

The Regional Perinatal Center Advisory Committee shall be composed of not less than 11 nor more than 21 members to be appointed by the commissioner, who shall appoint one of such members to serve as chairperson. All appointments to the committee shall be for a term of four years. A member shall serve until his or her successor has been duly appointed. The commissioner may reappoint any member.#

The advisory committee shall meet upon the call of the chairperson appointed pursuant to subsection (b) of this Code section.#

Beginning on July 1, 2026, and every four years thereafter, the department, in conjunction with the advisory committee, shall assess and make recommendations to the commissioner on the adequacy of the regional perinatal system and consider hospital or labor and delivery closures. Such assessment shall evaluate whether:#

1. (1)

   Perinatal facilities in each region are equipped and prepared to stabilize infants and mothers before transport;#

2. (2)

   Coordination exists between maternity care in each region and regional perinatal centers;#

3. (3)

   All identified high-risk pregnancies and deliveries are promptly evaluated in consultation with regional perinatal centers and referred to the appropriate designated regional perinatal center for the proper management and treatment of such conditions as needed;#

4. (4)

   An adequate transport system is available in the region for the transfer of high-risk mothers and infants and specifically considers:#

   1. (A)

      The distance and travel time between referring hospitals and regional perinatal centers;#

   2. (B)

      The types of vehicles used for transport and whether a need exists for additional vehicles; and#

   3. (C)

      The need for upgraded vehicles and transport equipment; and#

5. (5)

   Each regional perinatal center provides:#

   1. (A)

      Consultation for patients requiring special services, including transport;#

   2. (B)

      Coordination and assurance of follow-up medical care for maternal and neonatal patients requiring special services;#

   3. (C)

      Educational support to ensure quality care in institutions involved in perinatal healthcare in the region;#

   4. (D)

      An annual education plan with all birthing centers in the region;#

   5. (E)

      Compilation and analysis of perinatal data from the center and referring hospitals; and#

   6. (F)

      Coordination of perinatal health services within the region.#

When changes to the regional perinatal centers are approved by the department after recommendation by the advisory committee, the department shall submit a budget request to the Office of Planning and Budget prior to the General Assembly’s next legislative session seeking appropriations to implement such changes.#