SB 3182

Abstract

Amends the Hospital Licensing Act. Provides that a hospital having custody of a fetus following a spontaneous fetal death occurring during or after a gestation period of at least 20 completed weeks must notify the gestational parent of the parent's right to receive a certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth. Amends the Vital Records Act. Provides that after each fetal death that occurs in the State after a gestation period of at least 20 (rather than 26) completed weeks, or in cases where gestational age is uncertain, where the fetus weighs at least 350 grams, the person who files a fetal death certificate shall also prepare a certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth. Requires the person who files a fetal death certificate to notify the gestational parent of the stillborn of that parent's right to request and receive a certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth. Makes other changes. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Changes references from "mother" to "patient". Provides that the Department of Public Health shall develop language on a form (instead of developing a form) to be used for notification of the gestational parent of the parent's right to receive a certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth under certain circumstances. Makes conforming changes. Provides that after each fetal death that occurs in this State after a gestation period of at least 20 completed weeks, the State Registrar of Vital Records shall, only upon request by a parent named on the fetal death certificate, prepare and issue a certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth. Removes language providing that after each fetal death that occurs in this State after a gestation period of at least 26 completed weeks, the person who files a fetal death certificate in connection with that death shall, only upon request by the woman who delivered the stillborn fetus, also prepare a certificate of stillbirth. Changes the effective date from immediate to July 1, 2025.