Florida Statutes Title XXIX. Public Health § 383.313. Birth center performance of laboratory and surgical services; use of anesthetic and chemical agents

(1) Laboratory services.--A birth center may collect specimens for those tests that are requested under protocol. A birth center must obtain and continuously maintain certification by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services under the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments and the federal rules adopted thereunder in order to perform laboratory tests specified by rule of the agency, and which are appropriate to meet the needs of the patient.

(2) Surgical services.--Except for advanced birth centers authorized to provide surgical services under s. 383.3131, only those surgical procedures that are normally performed during uncomplicated childbirths, such as episiotomies and repairs, may be performed at a birth center. Operative obstetrics or cesarean sections may not be performed at a birth center.

(3) Administration of analgesia and anesthesia.--General and conduction anesthesia may not be administered at a birth center. Systemic analgesia may be administered, and local anesthesia for pudendal block and episiotomy repair may be performed if procedures are outlined by the clinical staff and performed by personnel who have the statutory authority to do so.

(4) Intrapartal use of chemical agents.--Labor may not be inhibited, stimulated, or augmented with chemical agents during the first or second stage of labor unless prescribed by personnel who have the statutory authority to do so and unless in connection with and before emergency transport.