Bill > SB0031

This bill amends Michigan's Public Health Code to require hospitals to adopt new policies regarding patients giving birth, effective January 1, 2027. The bill mandates that hospitals allow patients in labor to have at least two support persons present throughout their stay, including a spouse or partner and a doula (a trained professional who provides emotional and physical support during childbirth). If the patient has no partner, they can have a doula and another companion present. Hospitals can limit or exclude individuals only under specific circumstances such as public health emergencies, infection control risks, or if an individual commits assault. If a doula is excluded, the hospital must document the reason and allow an alternative support person. The bill also requires hospitals to have clear policies on obtaining patient informed consent and establishing a process for receiving patient transfer information from health professionals like midwives. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of sex in anti-discrimination provisions to explicitly include pregnancy and lactation status. The legislation aims to improve patient support and care during childbirth by ensuring patients have emotional and physical support and are treated with dignity and respect.

Health and Social Services, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0031