UT HB0458

Facilities providing birthing services must develop and publish policies on preterm birth care capabilities, inform at-risk parents of their capacity to treat premature infants, and report neonatal data annually to the Department of Health and Human Services

Lifesaving care cannot be denied to an infant based solely on gestational age, and attending providers must consult with a neonatologist when medically appropriate or when requested by a parent facing imminent preterm birth

Parents experiencing preterm birth have rights to timely information about facility capabilities, transfer requests to facilities with more advanced care, and shared decision-making with maternal fetal medicine providers and neonatologists

Prenatal health care providers must discuss preterm labor risks, NICU care level differences, and emergency care plans with pregnant patients before approximately 20 weeks gestation

Effective date: May 6, 2026