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Bill

A 2168

Requires the department of health to develop and maternal health care providers to distribute written information about episiotomy to maternity patients

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn and 4 co-sponsors

Bill A 2168 requires the Department of Health to provide maternity patients with clear information about episiotomy, enhancing informed consent and patient empowerment.

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Bill Summary · A 2168

Summary of Bill A 2168

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: A 2168
  • Title: Requires the Department of Health to develop and maternal health care providers to distribute written information about episiotomy to maternity patients
  • Status: Tabled
  • Introduced: January 15, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 2168 aims to enhance the informed consent process for maternity patients by requiring the Department of Health to create educational materials regarding episiotomy procedures. The intent is to ensure that patients receive comprehensive information about the risks, benefits, and alternatives to episiotomy, thereby empowering them to make informed decisions about their maternity care.

Key Provisions

  • Development of Educational Materials: The Department of Health is tasked with developing clear, accessible written information about episiotomy.
  • Distribution Requirement: Maternal health care providers must distribute this information to maternity patients prior to any procedure involving episiotomy.
  • Focus on Informed Consent: The bill emphasizes the importance of informed consent, ensuring that patients understand the implications of undergoing an episiotomy.

Affected Parties

  • Maternity Patients: Women receiving maternity care will benefit from enhanced information regarding episiotomy.
  • Health Care Providers: Hospitals and maternal health care providers will be required to implement the distribution of the educational materials, which may involve training and adjustments to current practices.
  • Department of Health: The department will need to allocate resources for the development and dissemination of the educational materials.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 15, 2025: Bill A 2168 was introduced and referred to the Health Committee.
  • February 4, 2025: The bill was reported out of committee.
  • February 10, 2025: The bill passed the Assembly and was delivered to the Senate.
  • June 9, 2025: The bill passed the Senate, was substituted for S 7545, and returned to the Assembly.
  • October 9, 2025: The bill was delivered to the Governor.
  • October 16, 2025: The bill was vetoed.
  • October 17, 2025: The bill was tabled.

Related Bills

  • A 9380: A prior-session bill that may have similar objectives.
  • A 2794: Another prior-session bill related to maternal health.
  • S 7545: The companion bill in the Senate that was substituted for A 2168.

Conclusion

Bill A 2168 represents an effort to improve patient education and informed consent regarding episiotomy procedures in maternity care. Although it has been tabled and vetoed, the discussions surrounding this bill highlight the ongoing conversation about patient rights and the importance of informed decision-making in healthcare.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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