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VA SB1384

VA SB1384
Childbirth; postpartum process, definitions.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2025
In Committee
02/13/2025
Crossed Over
02/03/2025
Passed
02/20/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
03/24/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Childbirth; postpartum process. Requires health care facilities providing services related to labor and childbirth to develop policies to (i) allow every birthing person to have a companion or doula with the person during birth in addition to a partner or spouse; (ii) at the discretion of the treating physician, allow every birthing person to have a companion or doula with the person during birth when a partner or spouse is not permitted to be present; (iii) prioritize newborns bonding with their families in order to facilitate the postpartum process; (iv) prohibit excluding from care any person giving birth or prohibit interrupting the process of birth without the informed consent of the birthing person; (v) detail the facility's process related to receiving a pregnant person's patient information from any provider who has provided care for the pregnant person; (vi) establish processes to transfer and receive pregnant persons across levels of care of licensed facilities within the facility's capacity and capability; and (vii) establish a process to receive individuals who are pregnant, giving birth, or in the postpartum process from locations other than licensed facilities.

AI Summary

This bill establishes new requirements for healthcare facilities that provide labor and childbirth services by mandating they develop comprehensive policies addressing several key aspects of the birthing experience. The bill defines important terms such as "doula" (a person providing physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy) and "postpartum process" (the biological changes experienced by the newborn and birthing person after delivery). The policies must allow birthing persons to have a companion or doula present during birth, either in addition to or in place of a partner when medically appropriate, prioritize newborn-family bonding, and ensure that no person is excluded from care or has their birth process interrupted without their informed consent. Additionally, facilities must create processes for transferring patient information between providers, transferring patients between care levels, and receiving patients from various locations, including non-licensed facilities. The bill aims to improve the childbirth experience by emphasizing patient support, information sharing, and continuity of care during a critical medical and personal event.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (6)

Last Action

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0589) (on 03/24/2025)

bill text


bill summary

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB1384
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB1384/text/CHAP0589
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB1384/text/SB1384ER
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB1384) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1063593.PDF
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB1384) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1037552.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB1384/text/SB1384S1
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB1384/text/SB1384SC1
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB1384) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1024256.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB1384/text/SB1384
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