Requires disclosure of information concerning non-invasive prenatal screening for chromosomal abnormalities

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Dana Levenberg and 2 co-sponsors

Requires providers to disclose information about non-invasive prenatal screening for chromosomal abnormalities to pregnant patients, boosting informed decision‑making and autonomy.

REFERRED TO HEALTH

Summary of Bill A 44 – Requires disclosure of information concerning non-invasive prenatal screening for chromosomal abnormalities

Overview and intent

Bill A 44, titled “Requires disclosure of information concerning non-invasive prenatal screening for chromosomal abnormalities,” would mandate certain disclosures by healthcare providers related to non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS/NIPT) used to screen for chromosomal abnormalities. The bill was introduced on January 8, 2025 and has been referred to the Health Committee. The available information does not include the full text, so the exact disclosures and mechanisms are not specified here.

What the bill would do

The bill would require providers to disclose information pertaining to non-invasive prenatal screening for chromosomal abnormalities to patients.

The scope and exact content of the disclosures (e.g., what specifics must be communicated, timing, format, consent requirements) are not provided in the summary excerpt. Typically, such disclosures cover the purpose of NIPS, what conditions it screens for, its accuracy and limitations, the possibility of false positives/false negatives, and information about confirmatory diagnostic options.

Who would be affected

Pregnant individuals receiving prenatal care or undergoing NIPS.

Healthcare providers offering prenatal screening services, including physicians, midwives, nurse practitioners, clinics, and laboratories.

Potentially healthcare facilities that perform or refer for NIPS.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Referred to Health (as of the latest action).

Introduced: January 8, 2025.

Next steps typically include committee consideration, potential amendments, advancement to floor votes, and eventual passage or defeat. The specific timeline would depend on the Health Committee’s schedule and action.

Related legislation

Companion and related bills noted: S 11 (companion), S 11 (another companion entry), S 8286 (prior-session), A 9152 (prior-session). These may reflect parallel or related language in other sessions or chambers and could influence the final form of A 44.

Potential impacts and considerations

Benefits: Enhanced patient autonomy and informed decision-making by ensuring patients receive information about NIPS and its implications before or during screening.

Provider workload: Possible increase in counseling time and documentation requirements.

Clinical workflow: May necessitate standardized disclosure processes or patient education materials.

Fiscal impact: Not specified in the provided summary; could involve costs for training, materials, and documentation.

Note

The summary above is based on the bill’s title and status; the full text would provide precise disclosure requirements, exceptions, enforcement mechanisms, and any related penalties.