N.Y. Public Health Law Section 2500-M
Access to doulas

(a)

When a person is admitted to a maternal health care facility for delivery and/or inpatient care post-delivery, such person may designate a doula to have access to such person. The maternal health care facility shall not deny such person access to such person’s designated doula. For the purposes of this section, the term “maternal health care facility” shall mean a hospital or freestanding birthing center providing perinatal services in accordance with article 28 (Hospitals)article twenty-eight of this chapter and applicable regulations.

(b)

Nothing in this section shall require a maternal health care facility to grant a doula access to a person or area of the facility during emergencies or when such access could compromise the safety of the patient or health care team.

(c)

The department shall require all maternal health care facilities to include and/or post on the maternal health care facility’s webpage, lobby, and patient waiting areas information stating a birthing parent is allowed to have a doula present in the maternal health care facility for delivery and/or inpatient care post-delivery. Such information shall be written in layperson’s language and shall be made available in English and the six most common non-English languages spoken by individuals with limited English proficiency in New York state as based on the most recent census. The department shall produce and provide maternal health care facilities with informational pamphlets stating a birthing parent shall be allowed to have a doula present in the maternal health care facility for delivery and/or inpatient care post-delivery. The informational pamphlet shall be: available in each patient waiting area as a printed deliverable; written in layperson’s language; and made available in English and the six most common non-English languages spoken by individuals with limited English proficiency in New York state as based on the most recent census.

Source: Section 2500-M — Access to doulas, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/PBH/2500-M (updated Mar. 14, 2025; accessed Apr. 2, 2025).

2500
Maternal and child health 2500–A
Test for phenylketonuria and other diseases and conditions 2500–B
Sudden infant death syndrome 2500–C
Special programs with respect to diethylstilbestrol 2500–D
New York state poison control network 2500–E
Pregnant women, blood test for hepatitis B 2500–F
Human immunodeficiency virus 2500–F–1
Special program for HIV services for women and children, including adolescents 2500–G
Newborn infant hearing screening 2500–H
Statewide perinatal data system 2500–H*2
Anaphylactic policy for school districts and child care providers 2500–I
Child food choking prevention 2500–J
Autism spectrum disorders 2500–K
Maternal depression 2500–L
Pregnant people, blood test for hepatitis C virus (HCV) 2500–M
Access to doulas 2501
Health and welfare services to all children 2502
Report of certain conditions 2503
Drug information to be furnished expectant mothers 2504
Enabling certain persons to consent for certain medical, dental, health and hospital services 2504–A
Hepatitis B immunization of a minor 2504–B
Information concerning pelvic exams 2505
Human breast milk 2505–A
Rights of breastfeeding mothers 2505–B
Lactation accommodations in airports 2506
Obstetric and pediatric practitioner incentive demonstration program 2507
Special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children 2508
Newborn health and safe sleep study 2509
Maternal mortality review board 2509–A
Corded window blind leaflet 2509–C
Availability of adverse childhood experiences services 2509–D
Veterans reproductive mental health care
Green check means up to date. Up to date

Accessed:
Apr. 2, 2025

Last modified:
Mar. 14, 2025

§ 2500-M’s source at nysenate​.gov

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