This bill aims to enhance health care patient protection, particularly for pediatric patients in hospital emergency departments. It mandates that hospitals develop and implement specific policies and procedures for pediatric care, including training for staff on these protocols at least annually. Each emergency department is required to designate a pediatric emergency care coordinator responsible for ensuring adherence to these policies and to conduct the National Pediatric Readiness Assessment as per established timelines. Additionally, hospitals may conduct the National Pediatric Readiness Projects Open Assessment in years when the main assessment is not performed.

The bill also requires the Agency for Health Care Administration to adopt rules for comprehensive emergency management plans that include minimum standards for pediatric patient care, ensuring that hospitals have immediate access to pediatric-specific equipment and supplies. Furthermore, the agency is tasked with collecting and publishing assessment scores from hospitals regarding their pediatric readiness, with specific deadlines for reporting and publication. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.