Bill > HB794

This bill creates new regulations for pregnancy resource centers (PRCs) in Kentucky, requiring them to obtain a license from the state's Cabinet for Health and Family Services. The bill defines a pregnancy resource center as a health facility that provides services like pregnancy testing, counseling, ultrasounds, and other pregnancy-related services, but is not a hospital. The licensing process will involve detailed administrative regulations covering areas such as sanitation standards, staff qualifications, emergency procedures, infection control, and patient care protocols. PRCs will be required to provide informed consent brochures and establish hotline numbers to assist women who might be coerced into abortion or are victims of sex trafficking. Operating or advertising an unlicensed PRC will be considered a Class A misdemeanor. The bill also amends existing penalty statutes to include specific fines for PRCs that violate licensing requirements, with potential penalties ranging from $500 to $10,000 per violation. Importantly, the bill includes a liability provision that neither expands nor limits the legal responsibility of healthcare providers or PRCs, but does establish some guidelines for potential legal actions involving patient transfers or care between facilities. The goal appears to be establishing more structured oversight and standardization of pregnancy resource centers to ensure patient safety and quality of care.

Health and Social Services

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25RS/hb794.html