POSTPARTUM APPOINTMENTS

Amends the Hospital Licensing Act. Prior to discharge of a postpartum patient, requires a hospital to ensure that a postpartum follow-up appointment is scheduled with an appropriate obstetric care provider. Provides that the appointment shall be scheduled for a date consistent with clinical guidelines, but no later than 6 weeks following birth, unless an earlier visit is medically indicated. Provides that a registered nurse or other designated clinical staff member may fulfill the scheduling requirement. Provides that a patient may decline to have an appointment scheduled, and such declination shall be documented in the patient's medical record. Establishes specified exemptions from discipline if an attempt to schedule an appointment was made. Grants the Department of Public Health rulemaking authority. Amends the University of Illinois Hospital Act to establish the same requirements for the University of Illinois Hospital. Effective January 1, 2027.