S7048

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Webb requiring hospitals to obtain approval before making significant changes to perinatal services. The bill, S7048, passed on a 59-0 vote and amends the Public Health Law to bring hospital decisions about adding, decertifying, or substantially altering maternal and infant care services under Article 28 review. Webb, who chairs the Senate Committee on Women's Issues and represents rural districts, argued the measure addresses a troubling trend of hospitals quietly eliminating perinatal services without community notice or oversight. She emphasized that the requirement for transparency and community input is particularly critical in underserved and rural areas where access to maternal care is already limited, and where hospital service reductions force pregnant people to travel farther for care, increasing health risks. Webb characterized the legislation as ensuring accountability from medical providers rather than imposing unnecessary bureaucratic burden. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.