Radio Report: Barnard bill to eliminate redundant birthing center inspections gains House approval

March 5, 2025

On Tuesday, the state House of Representatives passed a bill to simplify inspections of accredited birthing centers. John Sattgast reports.

SATTGAST: Birthing centers in Washington provide care before, during, and after delivery to low-risk mothers to be. The centers must meet specific standards, but Pasco Representative Stephanie Barnard says current inspection requirements are excessive and redundant.

BARNARD: “That accreditation process is overburdensome and extremely costly. We have two separate organizations that do that accreditation, and it’s just very repetitive .”

SATTGAST: House Bill 1824 would eliminate redundant state licensure surveys while ensuring the Department of Health retains oversight.

BARNARD: “So what we’re trying to do is just get rid of some of that red tape, allow our birthing centers a little bit of freedom and flexibility.”

SATTGAST: The bill passed the House unanimously and now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

John Sattgast, the state Capitol.