HYDE-SMITH, COTTON INTRODUCE BILL TO INCREASE HOSPITAL TRANSPARENCY FOR NEW, EXPECTING PARENTS
Bill Would Require Hospitals to Disclose Level of Premature Birth Care to Parents
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss), Chair of the Senate Pro-Life Caucus, on Thursday joined U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) in introducing legislation that would require hospitals to clearly disclose their policies on providing life-saving care to premature infants.
The Neonatal Care Transparency Act responds to troubling reports that some hospitals refuse to provide life-saving treatment to infants born prematurely, unless they have reached a specific gestational age.
“Families shouldn’t face uncertainty during early labor about whether their premature baby will receive life-saving care from a hospital or not. When a baby’s survival is on the line, parents deserve clear information,” Senator Hyde-Smith said. “I’m proud to support this legislation that requires hospitals to be transparent about their policies. It’s a commonsense measure that protects vulnerable infants and supports families in critical moments.”
“When faced with an early birth parents should be able to ensure that the delivery hospital is equipped and prepared to provide care for their child. This bill will provide parents with the information needed to welcome their child into the world safely,” said Senator Cotton.
The Neonatal Care Transparency Act (S.2433) would
Require hospitals to publicly disclose:
- The minimum gestational age at which life-saving care will be provided to an infant in the case of a premature birth; and
- The process by which the hospital would transfer the infant and mother to the nearest neonatal ICU if the hospital does not have the capacity to provide life-saving care to a preemie.
Require health care practitioners to disclose the policies above during an initial consultation.
U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) are also original cosponsors of the bill.
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