Bill

Bill > S2470


NJ S2470

NJ S2470
Directs DOH to develop standardized perinatal health curriculum for community health workers.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill directs the Department of Health to develop a standardized curriculum concerning perinatal health for the training of community health workers who provide education and support services to women of childbearing age. The curriculum is to include basic educational information and materials concerning factors and behaviors that affect maternal and infant health and childbirth, including, but not limited to: alcohol and substance use during pregnancy; maternal medical conditions that affect pregnancy; premature births and low birthweight babies; cesarean sections and labor induction; labor and delivery; infant mortality; breastfeeding; shaken baby syndrome; perinatal mood disorders; and the signs, symptoms, and risk factors most commonly associated with maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. The curriculum is to further include information on: shared decision making; informed consent; and resources available in the State for women, including, but not limited to, resources and referrals available through the county central intake agencies. The bill provides that the department may, in developing the curriculum, utilize information or resources developed by another state, a professional association with expertise in maternal and infant health, or an agency of the federal government. The bill provides that the department is to promote and share the curriculum as best practices for community doulas, nurse home visitors, and childbirth educators in the State.

AI Summary

This bill directs the Department of Health (DOH) to create a standardized curriculum for community health workers, who are individuals providing education and support to women of childbearing age, focusing on perinatal health, which refers to the period surrounding pregnancy and childbirth. This curriculum will cover essential topics like the impact of alcohol and substance use during pregnancy, maternal medical conditions, premature births, low birthweight babies, cesarean sections, labor induction, labor and delivery processes, infant mortality, breastfeeding, shaken baby syndrome, perinatal mood disorders (mental health conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth), and the common signs, symptoms, and risk factors for maternal and infant mortality and morbidity (illness or disease). Additionally, it will include information on shared decision-making in healthcare, informed consent (ensuring patients understand and agree to medical treatments), and available state resources for women, including referrals from county central intake agencies, which are local points of contact for health and social services. The DOH is permitted to use existing materials from other states, professional organizations, or federal agencies when developing this curriculum and is tasked with promoting it as best practice for community doulas (birth assistants), nurse home visitors, and childbirth educators to improve women's access to current perinatal health information.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 01/13/2026)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...