In this issue of KingSpry’s heARTbeat blog, Adoption and ART Practice Chair, Dorota Gasienica-Kozak, Esq., reviews the proposed Maternal and Newborn Supply Kit Program and details how it will support new families in Pennsylvania.
Proposal
House Bill No. 2137 (“HB 2137”) was proposed by Representative La’Tasha D. Mayes. In her memorandum, Representative Mayes details the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ pilot program to distribute newborn and postpartum supplies to new parents. The pilot program intends to reduce financial stress on new parents and increase their knowledge about services available to them.
Representative Mayes proposed HB 2137 to create a similar program in Pennsylvania, the Maternal and Newborn Supply Kit Program (the “Program”).
The Program
If passed, HB 2137 will require the Department of Health of the Commonwealth (the “Department”) to:
- Implement the Program to provide educational information, postpartum care kits and newborn care kits (the “Kits”);
- Distribute the Kits until all funding appropriated for the Program has been exhausted; and
- Make efforts to inform recipients of medical assistance and the Special Supplemental Food Service for Women, Infants and Children (“WIC”) about the Program.
The Kits
The Kits will include the following for postpartum care: postpartum maternity pads, perineal ice packs, witch hazel pads/medicated hemorrhoid wipes, perineal wash, peri bottle, nipple cream, nursing pads, and educational information on postpartum care as determined by the Department.
The Kits will include the following for newborn care: a thermometer, a nasal aspirator, diaper rash cream or zinc oxide ointment, receiving blankets, footed onesie pajamas, onesies, socks, diapers, wipes, burp cloth, baby nail clippers, unscented 2-in-1 shampoo/baby wash, unscented lotion, pacifiers, petroleum jelly, and educational information on infant care and best infant care practices as determined by the Department.
Helping Hands
The Department will be authorized to collaborate with third-party contractors and hospitals to design and distribute the Kits. If the Department chooses to engage with third-party contractors, it must publish the names, contact information and application process for each third-party contractor on its website.
Online Education
The Department will also be required to create and post informational materials on the proper use of the postpartum care and infant products, as well as generally-accepted practices to reduce maternal and infant mortality.
Effective Date
On June 5, 2024, HB 2137 was passed by the state House of Representatives in a 123-79 vote. Upon passage by the state Senate, the Act will take effect in 180 days.
Individuals interested in supporting the Act should contact their state and local representatives for more information.
