The Newborns’ and Mothers’ Health Protection Act of 1996

Provider Authorization

Group health plans may not require that a provider (such as a doctor) obtain authorization from the plan to prescribe a 48/96-hour stay in connection with childbirth.

In order to comply with the federal Newborns’ Act, your plan cannot require that a provider obtain authorization from the plan to prescribe a 48-hour hospital stay in the case of a vaginal delivery, or a 96-hour stay in the case of a cesarean section.

Does your plan require that a provider (such as a doctor) obtain authorization from the plan to prescribe a 48/96-hour hospital stay following delivery?

Yes
No