​A freestanding birthing center is a facility that provides nurse midwife services through individuals licensed to practice under Health Occupations Article, Title 8, Subtitle 6, Annotated Code of Maryland.  It does not include birthing services that are licensed or accredited as a unit of a hospital or the private residence of the patient.

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OHCQ is responsible for the licensure and oversight of birthing centers, including initial licensure surveys, annual surveys, and complaint investigations.

Prior to operating a birthing center in Maryland, the center must first obtain a birthing center license from OHCQ.  The first step in becoming licensed is to complete the Licensure Application. In order to complete the application, please download a copy to your device.  Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Reader or another *.PDF application are required to complete the application.  It is recommended that you save your progress throughout the process. Questions, comments or concerns regarding this application and its completion, can be referred to the associated program/unit within OHCQ. Submit the completed application and the required attachments through the Submit a License Application​ link.  After OHCQ reviews and approves the application and attachments, surveyors will conduct an on-site licensure survey.  After OHCQ determines that the applicant is in compliance with all requirements, a birthing center license will be issued.