Regular Session
Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis
Effective immediately, all Texas hospitals with a maternal level of care designation must fundamentally alter discharge and resource protocols for perinatal loss (stillbirth/fetal demise). You are now statutorily required to extend patient length-of-stay to match live-birth standards and provide access to bereavement devices and counseling, establishing a new legal standard of care prior to the finalization of state funding mechanisms.
Rep. Mihaela Plesa·House Bill·Regular Session
This legislation has regulatory implications for the following Texas businesses and organizations:
Notable regulatory updates (effective 2025-05-28). Consider how these changes may affect your operations.
Affected business types:
lowMinimal cost impact anticipated.
JD Key Consulting provides government affairs and regulatory strategy services. We help businesses navigate Texas agencies, understand legislative impacts, and advocate for their interests.
JD Key Consulting provides strategic guidance on Texas regulatory compliance and legislative impact for your business.
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
JD Key Consulting specializes in Texas regulatory compliance strategy. Work directly with James Dickey—former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas—to understand this bill's impact on your operations and develop an actionable compliance plan.
Schedule a ConsultationInformation presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
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Common questions about HB37
Effective immediately, all Texas hospitals with a maternal level of care designation must fundamentally alter discharge and resource protocols for perinatal loss (stillbirth/fetal demise). You are now statutorily required to extend patient length-of-stay to match live-birth standards and provide access to bereavement devices and counseling, establishing a new legal standard of care prior to the finalization of state funding mechanisms.
HB37 was authored by Texas Representative Mihaela Plesa during the Regular Session.
HB37 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 28, 2025.
HB37 is enforced by Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
The regulatory priority for HB37 is rated as "moderate". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.
The cost impact of HB37 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
HB37 addresses topics including health, health--general, hospitals, state finances and state finances--management & control.
Key dates for HB37: Effective date is 2025-05-28. Rulemaking: Adopt rules necessary to implement Chapter 328, including the hospital recognition program and grant criteria. (As soon as practicable after 2025-05-28); Establish and administer the perinatal bereavement care initiative and grant distribution. (Undefined (contingent on HHSC rules/funding)). Consult with legal counsel regarding applicab
HB37 establishes the following penalties: administrative penalty of Unspecified (Licensure Deficiency) for Failure by a hospital with a maternal level of care designation to make bereavement counseling options or available bereavement devices accessible to families following a loss.. Consult with legal counsel for specific applicability to your situation.
HB37 primarily affects healthcare providers and medical facilities. These businesses should review the legislation with their legal and compliance teams to understand potential impacts.
JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.
