Bill > S72

Introduced Session

This bill directs the Department of Health to develop a standardized curriculum concerning perinatal health for the training of community health workers who provide education and support services to women of childbearing age. The curriculum is to include basic educational information and materials concerning factors and behaviors that affect maternal and infant health and childbirth, including, but not limited to: alcohol and substance use during pregnancy; maternal medical conditions that affect pregnancy; premature births and low birthweight babies; cesarean sections and labor induction; labor and delivery; infant mortality; breastfeeding; shaken baby syndrome; perinatal mood disorders; and the signs, symptoms, and risk factors most commonly associated with maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. The curriculum is to further include information on: shared decision making; informed consent; and resources available in the State for women, including, but not limited to, resources and referrals available through the county central intake agencies. The bill provides that the department may, in developing the curriculum, utilize information or resources developed by another state, a professional association with expertise in maternal and infant health, or an agency of the federal government. The bill provides that the department is to promote and share the curriculum as best practices for community doulas, nurse home visitors, and childbirth educators in the State.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document