Bill > S2662

This bill requires certified nurse midwives and physicians who provide prenatal care to give pregnant patients comprehensive, evidence-based information about all available birthing options, including planned hospital induced births, epidural births, water births (both in hospitals and at home), non-Medicaid births (both in hospitals and at home), scheduled births, and scheduled or emergency C-sections. This information must be provided in writing, in English and the seven most common non-English languages spoken by those with limited English proficiency, during the initial consultation and before labor begins. The bill also mandates that this information include the health risks associated with each birthing option, risks to mother and infant from epidurals, Pitocin, and other medications, and a list of options potentially covered by insurance. The Commissioner of Health, in consultation with medical professionals, will develop this information and ensure it's accessible in languages patients can understand. The bill defines "certified nurse midwife" as a midwife licensed by the State Board of Medical Examiners and "physician" as someone licensed to practice medicine and surgery in the state. The Commissioner of Health is tasked with creating rules and regulations to implement these requirements, and the act will take effect 180 days after enactment.