SEC. 1724. OPTIONAL COVERAGE FOR FREESTANDING BIRTH CENTER SERVICES.

[a] In General- Section- 1905 of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1396d], as amended by section 1713[a], is amended--

[1] in subsection [a]--

[A] by redesignating paragraph [29] as paragraph [30];

[B] in paragraph [28], by striking at the end 'and'; and

[C] by inserting after paragraph [28] the following new paragraph:

'[29] freestanding birth center services [as defined in subsection [l][3][A]] and other ambulatory services that are offered by a freestanding birth center [as defined in subsection [l][3][B]] and that are otherwise included in the plan; and'; and

[2] in subsection [l], by adding at the end the following new paragraph: '

[3][A] The term 'freestanding birth center services' means services furnished to an individual at a freestanding birth center [as defined in subparagraph [B]], including by a licensed birth attendant [as defined in subparagraph [C]] at such center.

'[B] The term 'freestanding birth center' means a health facility--

'[i] that is not a hospital; and

'[ii] where childbirth is planned to occur away from the pregnant woman's residence.

'[C] The term 'licensed birth attendant' means an individual who is licensed or registered by the State involved to provide health care at childbirth and who provides such care within the scope of practice under which the individual is legally authorized to perform such care under State law [or the State regulatory mechanism provided by State law], regardless of whether the individual is under the supervision of, or associated with, a physician or other health care provider. Nothing in this subparagraph shall be construed as changing State law requirements applicable to a licensed birth attendant.'.

[b] Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall apply to items and services furnished on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.