ASSEMBLY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND WOMEN'S AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

[First Reprint]

SENATE, No. 912

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MAY 13, 2024

      The Assembly Community Development and Women's Affairs Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 912 (1R).

      This bill requires health care professionals providing prenatal care to ensure that each pregnant patient has the opportunity to develop a comprehensive personalized postpartum care plan that is consistent with the patient’s anticipated postpartum needs and plans. The personalized postpartum care plan is required to meet certain minimum requirements enumerated in the bill. If the patient does not have a plan in place or affirmatively waives their right to develop a plan, the health care professional is to educate the patient about the risks of foregoing adequate postpartum care and offer to consult with the patient to develop a plan. The bill additionally requires facilities providing maternity care services, including general hospitals, ambulatory care facilities, and birthing centers, to ensure that, prior to discharge following the end of a pregnancy, pregnancy loss, or stillbirth, each patient receiving maternity care services is provided with postpartum care information, based on best practices and guidance, as determined by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists or other nationally recognized bodies.

      As reported by the committee, Senate Bill No. 912 (1R) is identical to Assembly Bill No. 3887 (1R), which was amended and reported by the committee on this date.