Colorado § 25-3-131 - Maternal health-care services - discontinuation - required notifications - definitions - repeal.

§ 25-3-131. Maternal health-care services - discontinuation - required notifications - definitions - repeal.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, at least ninety days before a hospital providing maternal health-care services or a birth center may discontinue such services, the facility shall provide notice to:

(a) The department of public health and environment responsible for licensing health facilities pursuant to section 25-3-101;

(b) The primary care office, created in section 25-1.5-403;

(c) The governor;

(d) All patients receiving maternal health-care services at the facility as of the date of the notice;

(e) All health-care providers that provide maternal health-care services for the facility as of the date of the notice; and

(f) The general public.

(2) The notice required in subsection (1) of this section must include:

(a) A description of the maternal health-care services being discontinued;

(b) The rate the maternal health-care services had been provided at in the previous year;

(c) The number and type of health-care providers impacted;

(d) The proposed plan for transitioning patients to new health-care providers; and

(e) The proposed plan for transitioning the health-care providers to new positions.

(3) (a) In the event of an emergency, a facility shall provide the notice required in subsection (1) of this section on the day a definitive plan for alternative patient care has been arranged or within seven days after the emergency has been identified, whichever is earlier.

(b) This subsection (3) does not apply in the event of an emergency covered by rules promulgated by the department of public health and environment if such emergency affects the physical space of the facility and necessitates the removal of clients, employees, or contractors from the facility.

(4) As used in this section:

(a) "Emergency" means a sudden and unforeseen circumstance or financial impediment that would inhibit a hospital's ability to safely and effectively operate a maternal health-care service.

(b) "Maternal health-care services" means health-care services provided to an individual regarding care related to the individual's pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period.

(5) This section is repealed, effective July 1, 2027.

Source: L. 2024: Entire section added, (HB 24-1262), ch. 393, p. 2711, § 5, effective June 4.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 24-1262, see section 1 of chapter 393, Session Laws of Colorado 2024.