(1) LABORATORY SERVICES.—A birth center may collect specimens for those tests that are requested under protocol. A birth center must obtain and continuously maintain certification by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services under the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments and the federal rules adopted thereunder in order to perform laboratory tests specified by rule of the agency, and which are appropriate to meet the needs of the patient.
(2) SURGICAL SERVICES.—Surgical procedures shall be limited to those normally performed during uncomplicated childbirths, such as episiotomies and repairs and shall not include operative obstetrics or caesarean sections.
(3) ADMINISTRATION OF ANALGESIA AND ANESTHESIA.—General and conduction anesthesia may not be administered at a birth center. Systemic analgesia may be administered, and local anesthesia for pudendal block and episiotomy repair may be performed if procedures are outlined by the clinical staff and performed by personnel with statutory authority to do so.
(4) INTRAPARTAL USE OF CHEMICAL AGENTS.—Labor may not be inhibited, stimulated, or augmented with chemical agents during the first or second stage of labor unless prescribed by personnel with statutory authority to do so and unless in connection with and prior to emergency transport.
