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Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Act of 1996 (NMHPA)
Practical Law Glossary Item 3-503-4593 (Approx. 2 pages)
Glossary
Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Act of 1996 (NMHPA)
A federal law applicable to group health plans that offer maternity coverage. Among other provisions, the NMHPA:
- Mandates a minimum length of time for the hospital stay following birth, unless the mother and her physician (or other health care provider) otherwise determine.
- Prohibits incentives that encourage a mother to shorten her hospital stay.
- Prohibits incentives to physicians and other health care providers who encourage shorter hospital stays.
A group health plan that provides maternity or newborn infant coverage must include a statement in the plan's summary plan description (SPD) advising participants of the NMHPA's requirements.
For more information, see Practice Note, Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Act of 1996.