WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

A 10073

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 Amy Paulin and 1 co-sponsor

Requires maternal health care providers to give standardized written information about episiotomy to patients, developed by the Department of Health and updated with guidelines.

REPORTED REFERRED TO RULES
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 10073

Overview

Bill A. 10073 (2025-2026 Session, New York) envisions requiring maternal health care providers to deliver standardized written information about episiotomy to maternity patients. The measure directs the Department of Health to develop the information and to ensure providers distribute it under defined circumstances.

Purpose and Intent

  • Establish a formal requirement for informing pregnant patients about episiotomy.
  • Ensure patients receive consistent, up-to-date information about the procedure, its potential risks, benefits, and consent considerations.
  • Align with patient-centered care by providing clear information to aid decision-making before or around delivery.

Key Provisions

  1. Duty of Providers to Inform

    • Before vaginal delivery: Every maternal health care provider must give the written episiotomy information to each pregnant patient with a planned vaginal delivery.
    • After delivery (unplanned vaginal deliveries): Providers must give the written information to the patient following delivery if the vaginal delivery was not planned prenatally.
    • Eligible providers: Physicians, midwives, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants acting within their scope of practice and involved in managing the pregnancy or labor.

  2. Written Communication Development

    • The Commissioner of Health must develop the written communication(s) about episiotomy for distribution by providers.
    • Development must involve consultation with clinical professionals, providers, consumers, educators, patients, and representative organizations (including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the New York State Association of Licensed Midwives).

  3. Content of the Information

    • Potential maternal injuries associated with episiotomy.
    • Impact of episiotomy on future deliveries.
    • Circumstances under which episiotomy may be necessary to save the life or protect the health of the mother or fetus.
    • The general requirement that episiotomy may be performed only with the patient’s consent, and circumstances where it may be performed without consent.

  4. Ongoing Updates

    • The Commissioner must ensure the information is maintained and updated to reflect current clinical guidelines.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: Pregnant patients receiving maternity care and undergoing delivery.
  • Providers: Physicians, midwives, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who attend vaginal deliveries or manage pregnancy/labor.
  • State Department of Health: Responsible for developing the written materials and updating them as guidelines evolve.

Timeline and Implementation

  • Effective date: The act takes effect 180 days after becoming law.
  • Administrative readiness: The Department of Health may implement necessary regulatory changes in advance of the effective date to ensure timely distribution upon enactment.

Administrative and Practical Considerations

  • Training and workflows: Providers will need to integrate the written material distribution into prenatal visits and post-delivery care, potentially affecting consent discussions and documentation.
  • Access and readability: Materials should be accessible to diverse patient populations, with consideration for health literacy and language needs.
  • Updates: Ongoing alignment with evolving clinical guidelines requires periodic review and revision of the materials.

Summary

Bill A. 10073 adds a formal duty for maternal health care providers to give pregnant patients standardized written information about episiotomy, developed by the Department of Health with broad professional and consumer input. It covers both planned vaginal deliveries and unplanned vaginal deliveries, emphasizes informed consent, and requires updates to reflect current guidelines. The act provides a structured approach to patient education aimed at improving understanding of episiotomy, its risks, benefits, and impact on future deliveries.

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

Sign in to ask a question.