(a) The purpose of this chapter is to implement the Texas Birthing Center Licensing Act, Health and Safety Code, Chapter 244, which requires birthing centers (centers) to be licensed by the Department of State Health Services (department) and requires the department to adopt rules governing the licensing and regulation of centers.
(b) This chapter establishes general provisions, licensing procedures, enforcement, and operational and clinical standards for the provision and coordination of treatment and services.
(c) This chapter applies to all centers as defined in §137.2 of this title (relating to Definitions). Such centers must be licensed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. A person may not engage in the business of providing center services, or represent to the public that the person is a provider of such services for pay or other consideration without a license.

Source Note: The provisions of this §137.1 adopted to be effective December 2, 2007, 32 TexReg 8507