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News Release Release Date: October 17, 2008 Federal agencies finalize rules on Newborns’ and Mothers’ Health Protection Act Washington – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), the Internal Revenue Service, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today announced the publication of final rules that provide guidance in complying with the provisions of the Newborns’ and Mothers’ Health Protection Act. The act generally provides protections on the length of time mothers and their newborn infants may stay in the hospital following childbirth. Group health plans and health insurance issuers may not restrict benefits for a hospital stay in connection with childbirth to less than 48 hours (or 96 hours following a cesarean section). An exception provides that an attending provider, in consultation with the mother, is free to discharge earlier. The statute contains a list of prohibitions to ensure that the exception does not result in early discharges that may adversely affect the health of the mother or newborn. The final rules replace interim final rules adopted in 1998, clarifying several issues regarding the application of the law. The final rules are to be published in the October 20 edition of the Federal Register. The rules will be applicable on the first day of the first plan year on or after January 1, 2009. For more information about the Newborns’ and Mothers’ Health Protection Act, contact EBSA toll-free at 866.444.3272 or visit the agency’s Web site at www.dol.gov/ebsa. U.S. Department of Labor news releases are accessible on the Department's Newsroom page. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202.693.7828 or TTY 202.693.7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit the Department's Compliance Assistance page. |
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