H.R. 6370: Baby Changing in Health Centers Act

This bill, known as the Baby Changing in Health Centers Act, aims to amend the Public Health Service Act to require certain health centers to install baby changing tables in their restrooms. Here are the main points of what the bill would do:

Requirements for Health Centers

The bill mandates that health centers receiving federal assistance must ensure that their restrooms are equipped with safe and sanitary baby changing tables. This is intended to make facilities more accessible for families with young children.

Conditions for Compliance

• The requirement applies as a condition for receiving grants under Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act.
• Health centers must provide assurance that their restrooms comply with this requirement.

Exceptions to the Requirement

There are specific conditions under which a health center may be exempt from this requirement:

• If the restroom is not accessible for public use.
• If there are clear signs indicating the location of another restroom with a baby changing table nearby.
• If the installation of a baby changing table would require new construction that is not feasible.

Compliance and Funding

Grant funds received by health centers can be used to help cover the costs of purchasing and installing the baby changing tables. Additionally, the Secretary of Health may grant extensions or waivers for compliance under certain circumstances.

Definition of Baby Changing Table

The bill defines a baby changing table as an elevated, freestanding structure designed to hold a child weighing up to 30 pounds for diaper changes.

Budget and Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes an appropriation of $5,000,000 specifically to assist health centers in buying and installing the required baby changing tables.

Implementation Timeline

The bill states that the requirement for baby changing tables will apply as follows:

• Immediately for new or substantially renovated facilities after the bill's enactment.
• For all other existing facilities, compliance will be required five years after the enactment date.

Limitations on State and Local Laws

It is specified that the federal legislation does not interfere with state or local laws that may impose stricter requirements regarding baby changing tables in restrooms.

Relevant Companies

None found