Illinois Representative Proposes Bill Requiring Safe Discharge Plans for Expectant Mothers

WASHINGTON DC – Democratic Illinois U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly has announced plans to introduce legislation that would urge hospitals to implement a safe discharge labor plan for expectant mothers. Kelly’s bill is named for Mercedes Wells, a mother who was discharged from an Indiana hospital while in labor and then gave birth minutes later on the side of a road. The discharge plan requires clinical justification for discharge, assessment of travel distance, an identified back-up hospital or birthing facility, verification of reliable transportation and documentation of patient understanding. The bill also includes racial bias training for healthcare professionals.