Pennsylvania HB 2379: An Act providing for trauma-informed maternity care education for certain health care professionals; and imposing duties on licensing boards and the Department of State.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 3182
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 2379
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY M. BROWN, MAYES, HANBIDGE, SANCHEZ, HOHENSTEIN,
OTTEN, POWELL, FIEDLER, CARROLL, SHUSTERMAN, HILL-EVANS,
RIVERA, CEPHAS, MAZZOCCO, FLICK AND McCLINTON, APRIL 13, 2026
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE, APRIL 14, 2026
AN ACT
Providing for trauma-informed maternity care education for
certain health care professionals; and imposing duties on
licensing boards and the Department of State.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Short title.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the Trauma-
Informed Maternity Care Act.
Section 2. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this act shall
have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Certified registered nurse anesthetist." As defined in
section 2 of the act of May 22, 1951 (P.L.317, No.69), known as
The Professional Nursing Law.
"Certified registered nurse practitioner." As defined in
section 2 of The Professional Nursing Law.
"Clinical nurse specialist." As defined in section 2 of The
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Professional Nursing Law.
"Department." The Department of State of the Commonwealth.
"Genetic counselor." As defined in section 2 of the act of
December 20, 1985 (P.L.457, No.112), known as the Medical
Practice Act of 1985.
"Licensed clinical social worker." As defined in section 3
of the act of July 9, 1987 (P.L.220, No.39), known as the Social
Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional
Counselors Act.
"Licensed practical nurse." An individual licensed to
practice practical nursing under the act of March 2, 1956 (1955
P.L.1211, No.376), known as the Practical Nurse Law.
"Licensed professional counselor." As defined in section 3
of the Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and
Professional Counselors Act.
"Licensed social worker." As defined in section 3 of the
Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional
Counselors Act.
"Licensing board." A licensing board under the Bureau of
Professional and Occupational Affairs in the Department of State
with jurisdiction over maternity care providers.
"Maternity care provider." Any of the following individuals
who provide care during pregnancy, childbirth or the postpartum
period as determined by the appropriate licensing board:
(1) Genetic counselor.
(2) Licensed professional counselor.
(3) Midwife.
(4) Nurse.
(5) Physician.
(6) Physician assistant.
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(7) Psychologist.
(8) Social worker.
"Midwife." An individual licensed to practice midwifery
under the Medical Practice Act of 1985.
"Nurse." A certified registered nurse anesthetist, certified
registered nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist,
licensed practical nurse or registered nurse.
"Physician." As defined under the following:
(1) Section 2 of the Medical Practice Act of 1985.
(2) Section 2 of the act of October 5, 1978 (P.L.1109,
No.261), known as the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act.
"Physician assistant." As defined in section 2 of the
Medical Practice Act of 1985 or section 2 of the Osteopathic
Medical Practice Act.
"Postpartum period." A period of up to one year after
childbirth.
"Psychologist." An individual licensed to practice
psychology under the act of March 23, 1972 (P.L.136, No.52),
known as the Professional Psychologists Practice Act.
"Registered nurse." An individual licensed to practice
professional nursing under The Professional Nursing Law.
"Social worker." A licensed social worker or licensed
clinical social worker.
"Trauma-informed care." A framework of clinical practice
that meets all of the following criteria:
(1) Recognizes the prevalence and impact of trauma.
(2) Resists retraumatization by avoiding practices or
policies that could perpetuate or worsen trauma and by
establishing a safe and supportive environment.
(3) Emphasizes physical and emotional safety, trust,
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transparency, peer support, collaboration and empowerment.
(4) Promotes safety, empowerment and healing in response
to cultural, historical and gender-based inequities.
Section 3. Trauma-informed care education.
(a) Continuing education requirement.--Each licensing board
shall require a maternity care provider who applies to renew a
license to complete at least four hours of continuing education
in trauma-informed care as part of the total continuing
education required for license renewal.
(b) Approval of curricula.--Within 180 days after the
effective date of this subsection, each licensing board, in
consultation with the department, shall approve the curricula
for the trauma-informed care education required under subsection
(a).
Section 4. Effective date.
This act