1. (1) The Oregon Health Authority (Authority) shall, in addition to any investigations conducted under OAR 333-077-0060, conduct at least one in-person licensing survey of each birthing center every three years to determine compliance with birthing center licensing laws and at such other times as the Authority deems necessary.
2. (2) A birthing center shall permit Authority staff access to the birthing center during a survey.

3. (3) A survey may include but is not limited to:

   1. (a) Interviews of clients, client family members or legal representatives, birthing center management and staff;
   2. (b) On-site observations of clients, staff performance, and the physical environment of the birthing center;
   3. (c) Review of documents and records; and
   4. (d) Client audits.
4. (4) A birthing center shall make all requested documents and records available to the surveyor for review and copying.

5. (5) Following a survey, Authority staff may conduct an exit conference with the birthing center administrator or the administrator's designee. If an exit conference is conducted, Authority staff shall:

   1. (a) Inform the birthing center representative of the preliminary findings of the inspection; and
   2. (b) Give the birthing center representative a reasonable opportunity to submit additional facts or other information to the surveyor in response to those findings.
6. (6) Following the survey, Authority staff shall prepare and provide the birthing center administrator or the administrator's designee specific and timely written notice of the findings.
7. (7) If the findings result in a referral to another regulatory agency, Authority staff shall submit the applicable information to that referral agency for its review and determination of appropriate action.
8. (8) If no deficiencies are found during a survey, the Authority shall issue written findings to the birthing center administrator indicating that fact.
9. (9) If deficiencies are found, the Authority shall take informal or formal enforcement action in accordance with OAR 333-077-0240 or 333-077-0250.

Statutory/Other Authority

ORS 441.025

Statutes/Other Implemented

ORS 441.025 & ORS 441.060

History

PH 23-2025, adopt filed 11/03/2025, effective 11/03/2025