Maternal & Child Health
IHA supports advancing care for mothers and children, improving quality, and reducing the incidence of maternal and infant child mortality and morbidity.
IDPH Provides Clarification on Newborn Screenings
The Dept. of Public Health has provided clarity on implementation for the screening of Metachromatic Leukodystrophy.
Maternal Health Legislation Acted Upon by General Assembly
The spring 2023 legislative session resulted in several pieces of legislation passed by the Illinois General Assembly addressing maternal health.
Human Milk Donation Resource Now Available to New Mothers
Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, hospitals with obstetric units must provide information to new mothers about human milk donation. This resource from the Mothers’ Milk Bank fulfills this requirement.
Maternal Health Legislation Acted Upon by General Assembly
The Illinois General Assembly has passed several pieces of comprehensive legislation addressing maternal health. See IHA's summary of the new laws, which include new requirements for hospitals.
IHA Comments on Rural Maternal and Infant Healthcare
IHA addresses improving access, quality and outcomes for mothers and infants in rural communities, identifying barriers including financial resources, staffing requirements and workforce shortages.
New Enacted Maternal Health Laws Impacting Hospitals
The 2019 legislative session saw passage of an unprecedented number of maternal health legislation. IHA will send out further communication to the membership as those rules are developed.
Hospital Responsibilities for Timely Reporting of Fetal and Infant Deaths
IDPH asks for hospital assistance in the timely reporting of fetal and infant deaths, as well as the appropriate disposition of remains. IDPH released a chart that outlines hospital requirements.
Hospital Reporting Requirements for Fetal and Infant Deaths
Hospitals must adhere to state laws for reporting births and deaths as well as the disposal of fetal and infant remains. See a detailed fact sheet with guidance from IDPH.
IDPH Adopts Rules for Mandatory Hearing Testing for Newborns
IDPH has adopted rules requiring newborn hearing screenings in hospitals. The adopted rules add requirements to Section 250.1830 – General Requirements for All Obstetric Departments.
Safe Haven Law Provisions
Hospital personnel have several responsibilities if an infant is relinquished at their hospital or brought from another “safe haven” such as a police or fire station or emergency medical facility.
Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act
Illinois’ “Safe Haven” law requires specific actions by hospital personnel when an infant is relinquished at the hospital, from examining the baby to reporting suspected abuse or neglect.