CO HB1044

Physicians, nurses, and nurse aides practicing primarily in obstetrics must complete at least one continuing education credit hour on cultural competence and equity in maternal care

Health facilities providing labor and childbirth services must publicly display a statement on respectful maternity care by January 1, 2027, covering principles like freedom from harm, informed consent, privacy, and the right to a birthing companion

Health facilities must report incidents of severe maternal morbidity or death to CDPHE within 10 days when there is reasonable cause to believe racial discrimination, implicit/explicit bias, negligent clinical decision-making, or denial of care contributed to the outcome

CDPHE may suspend or revoke health facility licenses and impose penalties up to $250,000 per violation for discriminatory practices, failure to follow evidence-based obstetric standards, or refusal to act on known symptoms resulting in preventable severe maternal morbidity or death

Creates the Maternal Health Equity Improvement Fund to support Black maternal health advocates, culturally responsive doulas and midwives, racial bias training for practitioners, and families affected by preventable maternal morbidity or death