Healthcare (Hospitals)

HB 372 requires hospitals with emergency departments to screen patients for emergency pregnancy-related medical conditions (defined as acute conditions posing serious health risks if untreated). If such a condition is identified, hospitals must provide treatment to stabilize the patient - including allowing pregnancy termination when medically necessary - or transfer the patient to another facility. The bill prohibits hospitals from penalizing healthcare providers who refuse to transfer unstable patients or from taking adverse action against staff who report violations. It directly affects hospitals, patients with emergency pregnancy conditions, and healthcare providers treating these cases, with fines up to $50,000 for non-compliance.

SB 19 establishes the Maryland Commission on Women’s Health Advancement to study the feasibility of creating a state women’s hospital in Southern Maryland and a statewide clinical network focused on women’s health across all life stages. The commission, composed of diverse healthcare professionals, patient advocates, experts in health disparities, and community representatives, will analyze needs, financial viability, and alternative approaches (like a hub network) to improve access for underserved women. It must submit an initial action plan by January 2027 and annual reports through 2032, culminating in a final report by December 2032 with recommendations. This bill does not create the hospital or network but sets up a 7-year study process to inform future decisions.

This bill requires Maryland hospitals to screen patients in emergency departments for pregnancy-related medical emergencies. If a patient has such a condition, hospitals must stabilize it through appropriate treatment - including pregnancy termination when medically necessary - before transferring them, and cannot transfer unstable patients without following federal emergency transfer rules. It prohibits hospitals from retaliating against staff who refuse transfers of unstable patients or report violations, and imposes civil penalties (up to $50,000) for noncompliance. The law applies to all Maryland hospitals and aims to ensure timely, stable care for pregnant patients in medical crises.