An Act To Require Prior Notification Of Closures Of Labor And Delivery Units And Changes In Maternity Or Newborn Care Services By Hospitals As Recommended By The Commission To Evaluate The Scope Of Regulatory Review And Oversight Over Health Care Transactions That Impact The Delivery Of Health Care Services In The State

This Maine bill requires hospitals to submit a formal notice to the state department at least 120 days before closing labor and delivery units or changing the level of maternity and newborn care services. The notification must include the effective date, reasons for the change, contact information, and details on how the hospital will handle emergency obstetric care. Hospitals must also document their efforts to notify surrounding facilities within 50 miles, local emergency services, affected patients, and the general public. These provisions are designed to ensure transparency and allow communities adequate time to prepare for changes in essential healthcare services.