Signed by Governor Phil Murphy

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that increases access to postpartum support, pregnancy loss, and stillbirth information, and the development of personalized care plans in New Jersey.

Highlights:

• Requires health care professionals providing prenatal care to ensure that each pregnant woman has the opportunity to develop a comprehensive personalized postpartum care plan that is consistent with her anticipated postpartum needs and plans (Sec. 1-2).

• Requires the plan to include the designation of a medical home where the woman may access care and support during the period between the end of the pregnancy and the comprehensive postpartum visit (Sec. 1-2).

• Specifies that if the woman does not have a plan in place, the health care professional will be required to offer to consult with the woman to develop a plan (Sec. 1-2).

• 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, all women receiving maternity care services are provided with postpartum care information, including information concerning the potential health issues that may occur during the postpartum period and details as to the specific signs and symptoms to watch for (Sec. 1-2).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect 180 days after passage and approval by the Governor (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text