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Neonatal Designation

In 2013, House Bill 15 was passed during the 83rd Legislature, Regular Session. The purpose of the bill was to create level of care designations for hospitals that provide neonatal and maternal services. During the 84th Legislature, Regular Session, 2015, House Bill 3433 amended Health and Safety Code, Chapter 241. The purpose of the bill was to develop initial rules for neonatal/maternal level of care designation. The hospital level of care designations for neonatal and maternal care rules went into effect on June 9, 2016.

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has the authority to designate facilities. The Office of EMS/Trauma Systems Section of DSHS works with hospitals, survey organizations, and the Perinatal Advisory Council (PAC) to:

  • Develop facility designation protocols,
  • Develop policies, and
  • Designate facilities in the state.

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Statewide Perinatal Designation Meetings

Texas maternal and neonatal levels of care designation stakeholders are invited to attend our monthly meeting in collaboration with the department and peers throughout the state. Share ideas and best practices to improve patient outcomes for Texans. 

2024 Meetings: 

The 2024 meetings end in November. Stay connected with us by requesting registration below. 

2025 Meetings: 

Requests to register for the 2025 designation meetings will be processed in December.  


Neonatal System Development

Overview

Survey Organizations 

For the purposes of neonatal levels of care designation, DSHS will accept survey results from these recognized organizations: 

Advisory Council and Subcommittee

  • Perinatal Advisory Council (PAC)
    Created by House Bill 15 of the 83rd Texas Legislature (Regular Session), the PAC examines utilization trends in neonatal and maternal care and recommends ways to improve neonatal and maternal outcomes.
     
  • The Centers of Excellence for Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy
    The Centers of Excellence for Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy subcommittee advises the PAC and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission in the development of rules to establish the criteria a health care entity or program in the state of Texas will have to meet to receive designation as a Center of Excellence for Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy 

Neonatal Facility Designation

Documents

Fees

The non-refundable neonatal application fees for a three-year designation period are as follows:

  • Level I neonatal facility application fees are as follows:
    • <=100 licensed beds fee is $250.00; or
    •  >100 licensed beds fee is $750.00.
  • Level II neonatal facility application fee is $1,500.00.
  • Level III neonatal facility application fee is $2,000.00.
  • Level IV neonatal facility application fee is $2,500.00.

Map

Facilities

Resource Documents

These tools may be used to evaluate your facility's compliance with the Neonatal Level of Care you will apply for. 

 

Training

Perinatal Quality Assessment Performance Improvement, Patient Safety Overview

November 2023 training to establish a consistent structure and processes for the Maternal and Neonatal Quality Assessment, Performance Improvement, and Patient Safety Plan.

Also view:

Get in touch

Mailing Address

Texas Department of State Health Services EMS/Trauma Systems
Attn: Neonatal Designation Program  
PO Box 149347 MC 1876 
Austin, TX 78714-9347
United States

For designation process or rule clarification.

For designation process or rule clarification.

For designation application, process, or rule clarification.

For designation process or rule clarification.