Hospitals - Emergency Pregnancy-Related Medical Conditions - Procedures

SB 447 requires Maryland hospitals with emergency departments to screen patients for emergency medical conditions, including pregnancy-related emergencies like active labor. It mandates that hospitals stabilize such conditions before transferring patients - specifically ensuring a pregnant person cannot be transferred if delivery is imminent or transfer poses health risks to the person or unborn child. The bill prohibits hospitals from punishing providers or staff who refuse to transfer unstable patients or report violations. It also requires written consent from patients before transfers and detailed medical records for receiving facilities. This directly affects all Maryland hospitals operating emergency departments and their medical staff.