Bill > S05222

This bill amends the New York Public Health Law to expand the list of healthcare professionals who can certify fetal death certificates. Currently, physicians and nurse practitioners can certify fetal deaths, and the proposed legislation adds midwives and physician assistants to this list. The bill updates language throughout the law to replace gendered terms like "woman" with more inclusive language such as "birthing parent" and allows these newly added professionals to certify both the birth and cause of death on fetal death certificates. The bill maintains existing requirements about confidentiality and the unique identifier used for monitoring care quality and conducting medical research. The change aims to provide more flexibility in documenting fetal deaths by allowing a broader range of qualified healthcare professionals to complete the necessary paperwork, potentially making the process more accessible in areas with limited medical resources. The amendment will take effect immediately upon passage.

Education, Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5222