Prohibited Practices
Effective Feb 28, 2025Mass. Register #1542MGL c. 111, §§ 3, and 51 through 56Department of Public Health
- (A) Surgical procedures shall be limited to those normally accomplished during uncomplicated childbirth, such as episiotomy and repair.
(B) The following practices are prohibited in a birth center:
- (1) Surgical procedures including, but not limited to, assisted vaginal delivery, tubal ligation, dilation and curettage or Cesarean section.
- (2) Inhibition, stimulation or augmentation of the first or second stage of labor with controlled substances.
- (3) The use of general or regional anesthesia. Local anesthesia as clinically appropriate is allowed.
- (4) The dispensing, other than by immediate administration or in accordance with 105 CMR 700.010: Dispensing and Labeling of Sample Medications by Practitioners, or the provision of controlled substances for self-administration outside of the birth center, unless the clinic is licensed for pharmacy services and is staffed in accordance with 105 CMR 140.000.