Prohibits the closure or significant reduction of services of a birthing center without notice, application, financial disclosure, public hearing, and approval by the department of health.

Rhode Island Birthing Center Protection Bill

This bill would require birthing centers in Rhode Island to go through a formal approval process before they can close or significantly cut back their services. Specifically, a birthing center would need to give advance notice, submit an application, share financial records, and hold a public hearing — all before the state Department of Health could approve any closure or major reduction in services. In other words, a birthing center couldn't simply shut its doors or drastically scale back without first getting the green light from the state.

The bill affects birthing centers, which are facilities where people give birth — separate from traditional hospital maternity wards. It also directly affects expectant mothers and families who rely on these centers for prenatal and delivery care, particularly in communities where a birthing center may be the closest or most accessible option for maternity services. By requiring public hearings, the bill also gives community members a chance to weigh in before a facility closes.

The broader goal of the bill appears to be preventing sudden or unannounced closures that could leave pregnant people without accessible care options. The requirement for financial disclosures and Department of Health approval adds a layer of government oversight to ensure decisions about closing these facilities are made transparently and with public input. The bill has been referred to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and is scheduled for a hearing in April 2026.