Indiana 2023 Regular Session

Indiana Senate Bill SB0256

Introduced
1/11/23  

Caption

Licensure of pregnancy resource centers.

Impact

The enactment of SB 256 will significantly alter the operational landscape for pregnancy resource centers in Indiana. By requiring these centers to obtain a license, the bill ensures that they meet safety and quality standards comparable to other health facilities like hospitals and birthing centers. This licensing process is expected to enhance the oversight of health services provided at these centers, promoting better patient safety and care. As of September 1, 2023, all existing pregnancy resource centers must comply with the new licensing requirements or cease operations.

Summary

Senate Bill 256 focuses on the licensure of pregnancy resource centers in Indiana. It defines pregnancy resource centers as facilities that provide pregnancy-related health services, including pregnancy testing, counseling, and ultrasounds, specifically targeting women who may be pregnant. The bill states that pregnancy resource centers must adhere to certain regulatory standards, which includes disclosing specific information to patients. Effective July 1, 2023, the bill mandates that these centers must be licensed by the Indiana Department of Health, which will oversee their operations under detailed regulations for safe and effective patient care.

Contention

While supporters of SB 256 argue that the bill will protect women receiving care by ensuring standards are met and promoting transparency, there are notable points of contention. Critics express concerns that the additional regulations could be viewed as an attempt to limit access to services provided by pregnancy resource centers, which often function as alternatives to traditional healthcare. Additionally, the requirement to disclose detailed information might put undue pressure on these centers and their patients. The debate reflects broader discussions about reproductive health rights and access to care in the state.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IN SB0311

Abortion.

IN SB0208

Abortion.

IN SB0001

Abortion.

IN SB0275

Abortion.

IN SB0171

Abortion matters.

IN SB0217

Abortion matters.

IN HB538

AN ACT relating to pregnancy resource centers.

IN HB489

AN ACT relating to pregnancy resource centers.

IN HB4549

Relating to minimum standards for pregnancy resource centers.

IN HB1478

Relating to minimum standards for pregnancy resource centers.

Similar Bills

NJ A2655

Establishes requirements concerning provision of postpartum care, pregnancy loss, and stillbirth information and development of personalized postpartum care plans.

NJ S912

Establishes requirements concerning provision of postpartum care, pregnancy loss, and stillbirth information and development of personalized postpartum care plans.

NJ S834

Establishes requirements concerning the provision of postpartum care information and the development of individualized postpartum care plans.

NJ A3887

Establishes requirements concerning provision of postpartum care, pregnancy loss, and stillbirth information and development of personalized postpartum care plans.

NJ A2145

Provides certain deceptive practices in advertising of pregnancy-related services violate the consumer fraud act.

NJ A861

Provides certain deceptive practices in advertising of pregnancy-related services violate the consumer fraud act.

NJ S2522

Provides certain deceptive practices in advertising of pregnancy-related services violate the consumer fraud act.

NJ S3545

Provides certain deceptive practices in advertising of pregancy-related services violate the consumer fraud act.