Standby Perinatal Services Pilot

Senate Bill 669, passed in 2025, created a 10-year project to allow some hospitals that do not currently offer labor and delivery services to implement a standby perinatal services program. The goal of this pilot is to increase access to care and eliminate the need for mothers in labor to travel long distances to reach rural hospitals. Patients who are giving birth in alternative birthing centers or who need emergency care will be treated within 30 minutes of arriving at the hospital.

Critical Access Hospitals in California may apply to the program until five participants have been selected. CDPH will evaluate the applications to be sure that services can be provided in a safe and effective manner. After the pilot project, CDPH will issue a report to the State Legislature on the safety and effectiveness of the program.

Contact

If you have questions or wish to provide feedback about the Standby Perinatal Services Pilot, or if you are representing a hospital that wishes to apply, please send us an email at SB669@cdph.ca.gov. ​