Civil rights: general discrimination; reporting procedures for mistreatment during perinatal period; provide for. Creates new act.
Impact
If enacted, SB 30 would have significant implications for healthcare practices during the perinatal period. It seeks to enable the Department of Health and Human Services to provide comprehensive oversight and reporting of care that negatively affects patients based on race or that violates principles of respectful and ethical treatment. This act would allow for the collection of de-identified data to highlight and address systemic issues within healthcare institutions, promoting accountability and improvement in service delivery to marginalized groups.
Summary
Senate Bill 30, known as the Biased and Unjust Care Reporting Act, aims to establish a framework for reporting incidents of obstetric violence and obstetric racism within perinatal care in Michigan. The proposed legislation mandates that the state's Department of Health and Human Services utilize a validated tool to collect reports from individuals who experience care that is not culturally congruent, does not maintain dignity and privacy, or fails to meet informed consent requirements. The goal is to create a more just and unbiased healthcare environment for pregnant individuals and new mothers.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB 30 is generally supportive among advocacy groups focused on maternal health and civil rights. Proponents argue that it addresses important issues regarding health discrimination while improving the quality of care for vulnerable populations. However, there is also an undercurrent of concern among some stakeholders who worry about the implications of increased regulation on healthcare facilities and professionals, raising discussions on the balance between accountability and the operational burdens placed upon healthcare providers.
Contention
Key points of contention include the definitions and implications of terms such as 'obstetric violence' and 'obstetric racism'. There are debates over the adequacy of current protections for patients during childbirth and the need for additional state intervention. Critics may express concerns that the bill could complicate existing procedures and reporting requirements without sufficiently addressing the root causes of inequities in healthcare. As discussions continue, stakeholders are encouraged to explore how best to implement the reporting mechanism in a way that enhances care without imposing undue strains on healthcare practices.
Records: death; commission to investigate racial disparities related to maternal health; create. Amends secs. 2227, 2617, 2617a & 2618 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.2227 et seq.) & adds sec. 2617b. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0819'24, SB 0821'24
Human services: medical services; guidelines for coverage for perinatal and gynecological services; provide for. Amends sec. 109 of 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.109). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5636'24
Health: screening; mental health screenings and resources for mothers; provide for during certain time periods. Amends 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.1101 - 333.25211) by adding sec. 9137.
Health: other; program to register perinatal facilities as certain maternal care facilities; establish. Amends 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.1101 - 333.25211) by adding sec. 9129.
Civil rights: sex discrimination and harassment; office of the higher education sexual assault prevention, advocacy, and resource officer; create within department of civil rights. Creates new act.
Civil procedure: civil actions; reimbursement of fines and legal costs incurred by businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic; provide for. Creates new act.
Relating to the authority of individuals over the personal identifying information collected, processed, or maintained about the individuals and certain others by certain businesses.
Relating to the authority of individuals over the personal identifying information collected, processed, or maintained about the individuals and certain others by certain businesses.