Bill > S1087

This bill requires certified nurse midwives and physicians who provide prenatal care to give pregnant patients comprehensive, evidence-based information about all available birthing options, including planned hospital induced births, epidural births, hospital and home water births, hospital and home non-Medicaid births, scheduled births and C-sections, and emergency C-sections. This information must be provided in writing, in English and at least the seven most common non-English languages spoken by individuals with limited English proficiency in New Jersey, during the initial consultation and before labor begins. The bill also mandates that the information include the health risks associated with each birthing option, as well as the risks to both mother and infant from medications like epidurals and Pitocin, and a list of options potentially covered by insurance. The Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health, in consultation with midwives and physicians, will develop this information and ensure reasonable steps are taken to provide it in a language the patient understands. The bill defines "certified nurse midwife" as a midwife licensed by the State Board of Medical Examiners and "physician" as someone licensed to practice medicine and surgery in New Jersey. The act will take effect 180 days after enactment.

Health and Social Services

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S1087