Bill > HB43

This bill aims to address maternal health disparities in Kentucky by implementing several key provisions. The bill expands the legislative intent to recognize that every person deserves dignified and respectful healthcare during pregnancy, and highlights the significantly higher maternal mortality rates among women of color, particularly Black women. It defines perinatal care as healthcare during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum periods, and defines pregnancy-related death as a death occurring during or within 365 days after pregnancy. Licensed healthcare facilities providing perinatal care will be required to provide patients with written information about their rights, including the right to be informed about post-discharge care, participate in medical decisions, receive non-discriminatory treatment, and file grievances. Additionally, these facilities must implement an evidence-based training program for healthcare providers that covers topics like cultural trauma, racism, health inequities, communication strategies, and the social determinants of health affecting reproductive care. The bill also mandates that the Department of Public Health track and publicly report data on pregnancy-related deaths and severe morbidities, broken down by region, race, and ethnicity, to help identify and address disparities in maternal healthcare.

Health and Social Services

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25RS/hb43.html