Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman SHANIQUE SPEIGHT
District 29 (Essex and Hudson)
SYNOPSIS
Requires DOH to develop interconception care resources to enhance postpartum care for women.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act concerning interconception care and supplementing Title 26 of the Revised Statutes.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The Department of Health shall develop interconception care resources for health care facilities and health care practitioners providing postpartum care. The interconception care resources shall include evidence-based clinical management algorithms and patient education materials based on the most common pregnancy-related and delivery-related complications identified in the State, as determined by the department.
The algorithms shall be designed to guide risk assessment, counseling, and the management of adverse pregnancy outcomes, maternal complications, and neonatal complications, with the goal of supporting and improving maternal health and reducing risks in future pregnancies.
The patient education materials shall provide clear, easily understood explanations of individual health conditions and complications commonly encountered during the birth process and postpartum period, present available treatment options, and include self-care strategies that women can employ to improve their own health, the health of their newborn children, and the likelihood of successful, complication-free pregnancies in the future. To the extent possible, the department shall make the patient education materials available in English, Spanish, and any other language with a significant representation in the State.
In developing interconception care resources pursuant to this section, the department may review and, when appropriate, adapt relevant resources developed by another state or by a professional association with expertise in maternal and postpartum care. The department may additionally partner with one or more nonprofit organizations for the purpose of developing evidence-based clinical management algorithms and patient education materials pursuant to this section.
2. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill requires the Department of Health to develop interconception care resources for health care facilities and health care practitioners providing postpartum care. The interconception care resources will include evidence-based clinical management algorithms and patient education materials based on the most common pregnancy-related and delivery-related complications identified in the State, as determined by the department.
The algorithms will be designed to guide risk assessment, counseling, and the management of adverse pregnancy outcomes, maternal complications, and neonatal complications, with the goal of supporting and improving maternal health and reducing risks in future pregnancies.
The patient education materials will provide clear, easily understood explanations of individual health conditions and complications commonly encountered during the birth process and postpartum period, present available treatment options, and include self-care strategies that women can employ to improve their own health, the health of their newborn children, and the likelihood of successful, complication-free pregnancies in the future. To the extent possible, the department is to make the patient education materials available in English, Spanish, and any other language with a significant representation in the State.
In developing interconception care resources, the department may review and, when appropriate, adapt relevant resources developed by another state or by a professional association with expertise in maternal and postpartum care. Additionally, the department may partner with one or more nonprofit organizations for the purpose of developing the algorithms and patient education materials.