Who must post the Illinois Medical Patient Rights of Women (Pregnancy and Childbirth) Poster?
Effective January 1, 2020, every health care provider, day care center licensed under the Child Care Act of 1969, Head Start, and community center is required to post information about women’s rights with regard to pregnancy and childbirth in a prominent place on the premises of the facility and on their websites, if applicable, as provided on the Illinois Medical Patient Rights of Women Poster. (410 ILCS 50/3.4)
Under the law, “health care provider” means any public or private facility that provides, on an inpatient or outpatient basis, preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, convalescent, rehabilitation, mental health or mental retardation services, including general or special hospitals, skilled nursing homes, extended care facilities, intermediate care facilities and mental health centers.
What information must be posted?
The Illinois Medical Patient Rights Act describes, in addition to any other right provided under the Act, nineteen (19) rights women have with regard to pregnancy and childbirth. Each of the rights of women with regard to pregnancy and childbirth is listed on the Illinois Medical Patient Rights of Women (Pregnancy and Childbirth) Poster. Some of these rights are:
- the right to receive care consistent with accepted medical standards;
- the right to choose her maternity care professional;
- the right to receive information about her condition and proposed treatment;
- the right to refuse treatment, birthing and postpartum rights;
- the right to privacy;
- the right to access medical records and an explanation of medical billing;
- the right to receive information in her language; and
- the right to be treated with respect before, during and after giving birth.
Access to medical care before, during and after childbirth is essential to the health and well being of each mother. Ensure expectant and new mothers at your facility are properly advised of their rights and protections under the law.