PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Mar 14, 1996
Mother and Child Protection Act of 1996 - Requires an entity that offers a health plan that provides maternity benefits, including childbirth benefits, to ensure that coverage is provided for: (1) a minimum of 48 hours after an inpatient vaginal delivery and a minimum of 120 hours after an inpatient caesarean section; (2) additional inpatient care after delivery if a licensed health care practitioner finds it medically necessary for the mother or newborn; (3) one home visit within 24 hours after discharge if a mother delivers in an inpatient setting and elects to leave the setting before the 48 or 120 hours; (4) parental education (including breast or bottle feeding training); and (5) performance of any maternal or newborn clinical assessments. Mandates regulations to ensure that an entity does not penalize a practitioner for administering care consistent with these provisions. Requires coverage notice to health plan enrollees. Mandates civil money penalties for violations of this Act.
People & committees
Rep. Towns, Edolphus [D-NY-10] · D–NY
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.
Referred to the House Committee on Commerce.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E359-360)
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Jun 3, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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