{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-json\/32.1-137.011.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-text\/32.1-137.011.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-xml\/32.1-137.011.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-html\/32.1-137.011.html"}],"law_id":359052,"edition_id":2,"section_id":359052,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-137.011","catch_line":"Childbirth; postpartum process; doulas","history":"2025, c. 589.","full_text":"A\n\nFor the purposes of this section:\n\t\t\t“Birth” includes both vaginal birth and cesarean section.\n\n\t\t\t“Doula” means a person who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to a pregnant person before, during, and after pregnancy.\n\n\t\t\t“Postpartum process” means the biologic process that happens to both the newborn and birthing person after delivery due to endogenous hormone systems.\n\nB\n\nA health care facility that provides services related to labor and childbirth shall develop policies that:\n\n1\n\nAllow every birthing person to have a companion or doula with the person during birth in addition to a partner or spouse when a partner or spouse is permitted to be present;\n\n2\n\nAt the discretion of the treating physician, allow every birthing person to have a companion or doula with the person during birth when a partner or spouse is not permitted to be present;\n\n3\n\nPrioritize newborns bonding with their families in order to facilitate the postpartum process;\n\n4\n\nWill not exclude from care any person giving birth, or interrupt the process of birth without the informed consent of the birthing person, unless at the discretion of the treating physician;\n\n5\n\nDetail the facility’s process related to receiving a pregnant person’s patient information from any provider regulated under Title 54.1 who has provided care for the pregnant person;\n\n6\n\nEstablish processes to transfer and receive pregnant persons across levels of care of licensed facilities within the facility’s capacity and capability; and\n\n7\n\nEstablish a process to receive individuals who are pregnant, giving birth, or in the postpartum process from locations other than licensed facilities, including a process to receive verbal and written information from individuals with relevant information, including family members, doulas, or a health care provider regulated under Title 54.1.\n\n","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":1335672,"text":"For the purposes of this section:\n\t\t\t“Birth” includes both vaginal birth and cesarean section.\t\t\t“Doula” means a person who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to a pregnant person before, during, and after pregnancy.\t\t\t“Postpartum process” means the biologic process that happens to both the newborn and birthing person after delivery due to endogenous hormone systems.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":1335673,"text":"A health care facility that provides services related to labor and childbirth shall develop policies that:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"B1"},"2":{"id":1335674,"text":"Allow every birthing person to have a companion or doula with the person during birth in addition to a partner or spouse when a partner or spouse is permitted to be present;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"3":{"id":1335675,"text":"At the discretion of the treating physician, allow every birthing person to have a companion or doula with the person during birth when a partner or spouse is not permitted to be present;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"4":{"id":1335676,"text":"Prioritize newborns bonding with their families in order to facilitate the postpartum process;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B4"},"5":{"id":1335677,"text":"Will not exclude from care any person giving birth, or interrupt the process of birth without the informed consent of the birthing person, unless at the discretion of the treating physician;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"B4","prefix_anchor":"B4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"B5"},"6":{"id":1335678,"text":"Detail the facility’s process related to receiving a pregnant person’s patient information from any provider regulated under Title 54.1 who has provided care for the pregnant person;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"B5","prefix_anchor":"B5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B4","next_prefix":"B6"},"7":{"id":1335679,"text":"Establish processes to transfer and receive pregnant persons across levels of care of licensed facilities within the facility’s capacity and capability; and","type":"section","prefixes":["B","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"B6","prefix_anchor":"B6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B5","next_prefix":"B7"},"8":{"id":1335680,"text":"Establish a process to receive individuals who are pregnant, giving birth, or in the postpartum process from locations other than licensed facilities, including a process to receive verbal and written information from individuals with relevant information, including family members, doulas, or a health care provider regulated under Title 54.1.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"B7","prefix_anchor":"B7","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B6"}},"ancestry":[{"id":51362,"edition_id":2,"name":"Hospital and Nursing Home Licensure and Inspection","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":51361,"metadata":{"child_laws":59,"child_structures":0},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:41:12","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:32:20","permalink":{"id":1429859,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":51362,"identifier":"1","token":"32.1\/5\/1","url":"\/32.1\/5\/1\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":51361,"edition_id":2,"name":"Regulation of Medical Care Facilities and Services","identifier":"5","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":5,"parent_id":51343,"metadata":{"child_laws":150,"child_structures":13},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:41:12","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:32:20","permalink":{"id":1429857,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":51361,"identifier":"5","token":"32.1\/5","url":"\/32.1\/5\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":51343,"edition_id":2,"name":"Health","identifier":"32.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":75,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{"child_laws":857,"child_structures":128},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:40:53","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:32:12","permalink":{"id":1428101,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":51343,"identifier":"32.1","token":"32.1","url":"\/32.1\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":359001,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-123","catch_line":"(Effective January 1, 2026) Definitions","url":"\/32.1-123\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-123","metadata":false},{"id":359002,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-124","catch_line":"Exemptions","url":"\/32.1-124\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-124","metadata":false},{"id":359009,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-125","catch_line":"Establishment or operation of hospitals and nursing homes prohibited without license or certification; licenses not transferable","url":"\/32.1-125\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-125","metadata":false},{"id":359003,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-125.01","catch_line":"Failing to report; penalty","url":"\/32.1-125.01\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-125.01","metadata":false},{"id":359004,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-125.1","catch_line":"Inspection of hospitals by state agencies generally","url":"\/32.1-125.1\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-125.1","metadata":false},{"id":359005,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-125.2","catch_line":"Disclosure of other providers of services","url":"\/32.1-125.2\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-125.2","metadata":false},{"id":359006,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-125.3","catch_line":"Bed capacity and licensure in hospitals designated as critical access hospitals; designation as rural hospital","url":"\/32.1-125.3\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-125.3","metadata":false},{"id":359007,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-125.4","catch_line":"Retaliation or discrimination against complainants","url":"\/32.1-125.4\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-125.4","metadata":false},{"id":359008,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-125.5","catch_line":"Confidentiality of complainant's identity","url":"\/32.1-125.5\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-125.5","metadata":false},{"id":359017,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-126","catch_line":"Commissioner to inspect and to issue licenses to or assure compliance with certification requirements for hospitals, nursing homes, and certified nursing facilities; notice of denial of license; consultative advice and assistance; notice to electric utilities","url":"\/32.1-126\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-126","metadata":false},{"id":359010,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-126.01","catch_line":"Employment for compensation of persons convicted of barrier crimes prohibited; criminal records check required; suspension or revocation of license","url":"\/32.1-126.01\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-126.01","metadata":false},{"id":359011,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-126.02","catch_line":"Hospital pharmacy employees; criminal records check required","url":"\/32.1-126.02\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-126.02","metadata":false},{"id":359012,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-126.1","catch_line":"Asbestos inspection for hospitals","url":"\/32.1-126.1\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-126.1","metadata":false},{"id":359013,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-126.2","catch_line":"Fire suppression systems required in nursing facilities and nursing homes","url":"\/32.1-126.2\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-126.2","metadata":false},{"id":359014,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-126.3","catch_line":"Fire suppression systems required in hospitals","url":"\/32.1-126.3\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-126.3","metadata":false},{"id":359015,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-126.4","catch_line":"Hospital standing orders or protocols for certain vaccinations","url":"\/32.1-126.4\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-126.4","metadata":false},{"id":359016,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-126.5","catch_line":"Consolidation of inspections","url":"\/32.1-126.5\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-126.5","metadata":false},{"id":359028,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-127","catch_line":"(Effective January 1, 2026) Regulations","url":"\/32.1-127\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-127","metadata":false},{"id":359018,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-127.001","catch_line":"Certain design and construction standards to be incorporated in hospital and nursing home licensure regulations","url":"\/32.1-127.001\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-127.001","metadata":false},{"id":359019,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-127.01","catch_line":"Regulations to authorize certain disciplinary actions and guidelines","url":"\/32.1-127.01\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-127.01","metadata":{"court_decisions":{"0":{"name":"Cherrie v. Virginia Health Services","case_number":"Record 151758","citation":"787 S.E.2d 855","date":"2016-07-14","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/4238517\/cherrie-v-virginia-health-services\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. OPINION BY JUSTICE D. ARTHUR KELSEY .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"SCV<\/abbr>"},"1":{"name":"Jeffrey Hairston v. Commonwealth","case_number":"0686063","citation":"50 Va. App. 64","date":"2007-06-19","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/1063019\/jeffrey-hairston-v-commonwealth\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. WILLIAM G. PETTY, Judge. .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"COA<\/abbr>"},"2":{"name":"Lotz v. Com.","case_number":"Record 081122.","citation":"672 S.E.2d 833","date":"2009-02-27","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/1058377\/lotz-v-com\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. 672 S.E.2d 833 (2009) .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"SCV<\/abbr>"},"3":{"name":"United States v. Sutherland","case_number":"1:00CR00052, 1:00CR00093","citation":"143 F. Supp. 2d 609","date":"2001-05-01","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/2428844\/united-states-v-sutherland\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. 143 F.Supp.2d 609 (2001) .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"District Court, W.D. Virginia"},"4":{"name":"Jonathan Nathaniel Ramsey v. Commonwealth of Virginia","case_number":"2023124","citation":"63 Va. App. 341","date":"2014-05-13","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/2674188\/jonathan-nathaniel-ramsey-v-commonwealth-of-virginia\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. ROSEMARIE ANNUNZIATA, Judge. .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"COA<\/abbr>"},"5":{"name":"Maple v. Colonial Orthopaedics, Inc. (In Re Maple)","case_number":"19-70499","citation":"434 B.R. 363","date":"2010-07-21","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/2202725\/maple-v-colonial-orthopaedics-inc-in-re-maple\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. 434 B.R. 363 (2010) .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"United States Bankruptcy Court, E.D. Virginia"},"6":{"name":"Sherman v. Jones","case_number":"CIV.A. 02-1801-AM","citation":"258 F. Supp. 2d 440","date":"2003-04-22","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/2480447\/sherman-v-jones\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. 258 F.Supp.2d 440 (2003) .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"District Court, E.D. Virginia"},"7":{"name":"Davis v. Wal-Mart Stores East, L.P.","case_number":"Civil Action No. 3:15cv387-HEH","citation":"177 F. Supp. 3d 943","date":"2016-04-13","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/7319640\/davis-v-wal-mart-stores-east-lp\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. MEMORANDUM OPINION .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"District Court, E.D. Virginia"},"8":{"name":"Front Royal Insurance v. Gold Players, Inc.","case_number":"No. Civ.A. 98-0030-A","citation":"187 F.R.D. 252","date":"1999-06-07","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/8744213\/front-royal-insurance-v-gold-players-inc\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. MEMORANDUM OPINION .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"District Court, W.D. Virginia"}}}},{"id":359020,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-127.1","catch_line":"Immunity from liability for routine referral for organ and tissue donation","url":"\/32.1-127.1\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-127.1","metadata":false},{"id":359021,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-127.1:01","catch_line":"Record storage","url":"\/32.1-127.1_01\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-127.1_01","metadata":false},{"id":359022,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-127.1:02","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/32.1-127.1_02\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-127.1_02","metadata":false},{"id":359023,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-127.1:03","catch_line":"Health records privacy","url":"\/32.1-127.1_03\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-127.1_03","metadata":false},{"id":359024,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-127.1:04","catch_line":"Use or disclosure of certain protected health information required","url":"\/32.1-127.1_04\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-127.1_04","metadata":false},{"id":359025,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-127.1:05","catch_line":"Breach of medical information notification","url":"\/32.1-127.1_05\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-127.1_05","metadata":false},{"id":359026,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-127.2","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/32.1-127.2\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-127.2","metadata":false},{"id":359027,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-127.3","catch_line":"Immunity from liability for certain free health care services","url":"\/32.1-127.3\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-127.3","metadata":false},{"id":359029,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-128","catch_line":"Applicability to hospitals and nursing homes for practice of religious tenets","url":"\/32.1-128\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-128","metadata":false},{"id":359030,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-129","catch_line":"Application for license","url":"\/32.1-129\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-129","metadata":false},{"id":359033,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-130","catch_line":"Fees; Hospital and Nursing Home Licensure and Inspection Program Fund","url":"\/32.1-130\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-130","metadata":false},{"id":359034,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-131","catch_line":"Expiration and renewal of licenses","url":"\/32.1-131\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-131","metadata":false},{"id":359035,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-132","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2028) Alterations or additions to hospitals and nursing homes; when new license required; use of inpatient hospital beds for furnishing skilled care services","url":"\/32.1-132\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-132","metadata":false},{"id":359037,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-133","catch_line":"Display of license","url":"\/32.1-133\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-133","metadata":false},{"id":359036,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-133.1","catch_line":"Human trafficking hotline; posted notice required; civil penalty","url":"\/32.1-133.1\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-133.1","metadata":false},{"id":359045,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-134","catch_line":"Family planning information in hospitals providing maternity care","url":"\/32.1-134\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-134","metadata":false},{"id":359038,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-134.01","catch_line":"Certain information required for maternity patients","url":"\/32.1-134.01\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-134.01","metadata":false},{"id":359039,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-134.02","catch_line":"Infants; blood sample provided to parents","url":"\/32.1-134.02\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-134.02","metadata":false},{"id":359040,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-134.03","catch_line":"Maternal health; protocols and resources for hospitals and outpatient providers; report","url":"\/32.1-134.03\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-134.03","metadata":false},{"id":359041,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-134.1","catch_line":"When denial, etc., to duly licensed physician of staff membership or professional privileges improper","url":"\/32.1-134.1\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-134.1","metadata":false},{"id":359042,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-134.2","catch_line":"Clinical privileges for certain practitioners","url":"\/32.1-134.2\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-134.2","metadata":false},{"id":359043,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-134.3","catch_line":"Response to applications for clinical privileges","url":"\/32.1-134.3\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-134.3","metadata":false},{"id":359044,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-134.4","catch_line":"Right of podiatrists or advanced practice registered nurses to injunction","url":"\/32.1-134.4\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-134.4","metadata":false},{"id":359048,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-135","catch_line":"Revocation or suspension of license or certification of hospital or certified nursing facility; restriction or prohibition of new admissions to certified nursing facility","url":"\/32.1-135\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-135","metadata":false},{"id":359046,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-135.1","catch_line":"Certain advertisements prohibited","url":"\/32.1-135.1\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-135.1","metadata":false},{"id":359047,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-135.2","catch_line":"Offer or payment of remuneration in exchange for referral prohibited","url":"\/32.1-135.2\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-135.2","metadata":false},{"id":359049,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-136","catch_line":"Violation; penalties","url":"\/32.1-136\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-136","metadata":false},{"id":359078,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-137","catch_line":"Certification of medical care facilities under Title XVIII of Social Security Act","url":"\/32.1-137\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-137","metadata":false},{"id":359050,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-137.01","catch_line":"Posting of charity care policies","url":"\/32.1-137.01\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-137.01","metadata":false},{"id":359051,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-137.010","catch_line":"Financial assistance; payment plans","url":"\/32.1-137.010\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-137.010","metadata":false},{"id":359052,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-137.011","catch_line":"Childbirth; postpartum process; doulas","url":"\/32.1-137.011\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-137.011","metadata":false},{"id":359053,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-137.02","catch_line":"Hospital discharge procedures","url":"\/32.1-137.02\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-137.02","metadata":{"court_decisions":""}},{"id":359054,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-137.03","catch_line":"Discharge planning; designation of individual to provide care","url":"\/32.1-137.03\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-137.03","metadata":false},{"id":359055,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-137.04","catch_line":"Patient notice of observation or outpatient status","url":"\/32.1-137.04\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-137.04","metadata":{"court_decisions":{"0":{"name":"Cherrie v. Virginia Health Services","case_number":"Record 151758","citation":"787 S.E.2d 855","date":"2016-07-14","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/4238517\/cherrie-v-virginia-health-services\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. OPINION BY JUSTICE D. ARTHUR KELSEY .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"SCV<\/abbr>"}}}},{"id":359056,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-137.05","catch_line":"Information regarding standard charges; advance estimate of patient payment amount for elective procedure, test, or service","url":"\/32.1-137.05\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-137.05","metadata":false},{"id":359057,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-137.06","catch_line":"Lyme disease test result information","url":"\/32.1-137.06\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-137.06","metadata":false},{"id":359058,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-137.07","catch_line":"Violations of certain provisions; penalty","url":"\/32.1-137.07\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-137.07","metadata":false},{"id":359059,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-137.08","catch_line":"Medical care facilities; persons with disabilities; designated support persons","url":"\/32.1-137.08\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-137.08","metadata":false},{"id":359060,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-137.09","catch_line":"Hospital emergency department CPT code data reporting","url":"\/32.1-137.09\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-137.09","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":359051,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-137.010","catch_line":"Financial assistance; payment plans","url":"\/32.1-137.010\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-137.010","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":359053,"structure_id":51362,"section_number":"32.1-137.02","catch_line":"Hospital discharge procedures","url":"\/32.1-137.02\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-137.02","metadata":{"court_decisions":""}},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/32.1-137.011\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 2025. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 589<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":1430061,"object_type":"law","relational_id":359052,"identifier":"32.1-137.011","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-137.011","url":"\/32.1-137.011\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/32.1-137.011\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-137.011","dublin_core":{"Title":"Childbirth; postpartum process; doulas","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 32.1-137.011","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> For the purposes of this section:\n\t\t\t“Birth<\/span>” includes both vaginal birth<\/span> and cesarean section.

\t\t\t“Doula<\/span>” means a person<\/span> who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to a pregnant person<\/span> before, during, and after pregnancy.

\t\t\t“Postpartum process<\/span>” means the biologic process that happens to both the newborn and birthing person<\/span> after delivery due to endogenous hormone systems. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> A health care facility that provides services related to labor and childbirth shall develop policies that: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Allow every birthing person<\/span> to have a companion or doula<\/span> with the person<\/span> during birth<\/span> in addition to a partner or spouse when a partner or spouse is permitted to be present; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> At the discretion of the treating physician, allow every birthing person<\/span> to have a companion or doula<\/span> with the person<\/span> during birth<\/span> when a partner or spouse is not permitted to be present; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Prioritize newborns bonding with their families in order<\/span> to facilitate the postpartum process<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Will not exclude from care any person<\/span> giving birth<\/span>, or interrupt the process of birth<\/span> without the informed consent of the birthing person<\/span>, unless at the discretion of the treating physician; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Detail the facility’s process related to receiving a pregnant person<\/span>’s patient information from any provider regulated under Title 54.1 who has provided care for the pregnant person<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Establish processes to transfer and receive pregnant persons<\/span> across levels of care of licensed facilities within the facility’s capacity and capability; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> Establish a process to receive individuals who are pregnant, giving birth<\/span>, or in the postpartum process<\/span> from locations other than licensed facilities, including a process to receive verbal and written information from individuals with relevant information, including family members, doulas<\/span>, or a health care provider regulated under Title 54.1. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCHILDBIRTH; POSTPARTUM PROCESS; DOULAS (\u00a7 32.1-137.011)\n\nA. For the purposes of this section:\n\t\t\t“Birth” includes both vaginal birth and cesarean\nsection.\t\t\t“Doula” means a person who provides physical, emotional,\nand informational support to a pregnant person before, during, and after\npregnancy.\t\t\t“Postpartum process” means the biologic process that\nhappens to both the newborn and birthing person after delivery due to endogenous\nhormone systems.\n\nB. A health care facility that provides services related to labor and childbirth\nshall develop policies that:\n\n 1. Allow every birthing person to have a companion or doula with the person\n during birth in addition to a partner or spouse when a partner or spouse is\n permitted to be present;\n\n 2. At the discretion of the treating physician, allow every birthing person to\n have a companion or doula with the person during birth when a partner or\n spouse is not permitted to be present;\n\n 3. Prioritize newborns bonding with their families in order to facilitate the\n postpartum process;\n\n 4. Will not exclude from care any person giving birth, or interrupt the\n process of birth without the informed consent of the birthing person, unless\n at the discretion of the treating physician;\n\n 5. Detail the facility’s process related to receiving a pregnant\n person’s patient information from any provider regulated under Title\n 54.1 who has provided care for the pregnant person;\n\n 6. Establish processes to transfer and receive pregnant persons across levels\n of care of licensed facilities within the facility’s capacity and\n capability; and\n\n 7. Establish a process to receive individuals who are pregnant, giving birth,\n or in the postpartum process from locations other than licensed facilities,\n including a process to receive verbal and written information from individuals\n with relevant information, including family members, doulas, or a health care\n provider regulated under Title 54.1.\n\nHISTORY: 2025, c. 589.","edition":{"id":2,"name":"2026","slug":"2026","date_created":"2026-07-16 18:40:23","date_modified":"2026-08-02 15:14:36","current":1,"order_by":2,"last_import":"2026-08-02 12:37:30"}}