1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to health; modifying medical assistance
1.3 	coverage of cesarean sections; amending Minnesota
1.4 	Statutes 2004, section 256B.0625, by adding a
1.5 	subdivision.
1.6 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.7 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 256B.0625, is
1.8 	amended by adding a subdivision to read:
1.9 		Subd. 3c.Cesarean sections. Medical assistance covers
1.10 	cesarean sections only in cases of a medical emergency or if two
1.11 	medical professionals sign a statement authorizing the
1.12 	procedure.  For purposes of this requirement, a "medical
1.13 	emergency" exists if continuing labor without performing a
1.14 	cesarean section would:
1.15 	(1) place the health of the mother, or health of the child
1.16 	being delivered, in serious jeopardy;
1.17 	(2) cause serious impairment to body functions of the
1.18 	mother or child; or 
1.19 	(3) cause serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part
1.20 	of the mother or child.
1.21 	For purposes of this requirement, "medical professional" means a
1.22 	medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, certified nurse midwife,
1.23 	or OB/GYN nurse practitioner.
1.24 	
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2005.