State health officials and lawmakers announced the adoption of new regulations to establish freestanding birthing centers in Kentucky, marking a significant step in implementing legislation that has been championed for years.

The regulations establish licensing, operational and facility requirements for freestanding birthing centers following the 2025 passage of House Bill 90, according to a press release from the Kentucky House Majority Caucus. The legislation, sponsored by House Majority Whip Jason Nemes, removed barriers to opening smaller facilities by exempting birthing centers with four or fewer beds from Kentucky's certificate-of-need requirements, while maintaining health and safety standards.

"Currently, there are no freestanding birthing centers in Kentucky," according to the Kentucky Birth Coalition. The bill aims to align Kentucky with 40 other states that have embraced such centers, providing what supporters describe as a homelike environment for low-risk pregnancies.

HB 90 also requires birthing centers to obtain written informed consent from clients and to maintain written patient transfer agreements with hospitals and emergency medical services. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services had until December 1, 2025 to update its rules to implement the law.

Advocates, health care providers, and lawmakers discussed the new regulations at a media availability on August 27, 2026 at the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville.