# Health - General (GHG)

## Title 19. Health Care Facilities

### Subtitle 26. Hospital Obstetric Services Policy

#### Section 19-2601

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Doula" means a nonmedical professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the birthing parent throughout the prenatal, labor, and postpartum periods.

(c) "Hospital" means a hospital, as defined in Sec. 19-301 of this title, that provides obstetric care.

(d) "Significant medical intervention" means a cesarean section, induction of labor, augmentation of labor, operative vaginal delivery, or episiotomy.

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Md. Code Ann., Health-Gen. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)