Bill > S700

This bill establishes a three-year Obstetric Discrimination Prevention and Mitigation Pilot Program, managed by the Department of Human Services (DHS), to address disparities in maternal healthcare, particularly for Black mothers. The program aims to recognize and mitigate "obstetric discrimination," which is defined as harmful experiences and conditions Black women face during reproductive, antepartum, intrapartum, perinatal, or postpartum care that lead to increased violence, loss of autonomy, and diminished dignity. Participating maternity care hospitals and licensed birthing centers will use a specific perinatal quality improvement measurement tool to evaluate the presence and impact of obstetric discrimination, aiming to improve care quality and reduce adverse outcomes. The program will be funded through NJ FamilyCare, a program combining Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, using a value-based payment system that incentivizes reductions in adverse pregnancy-related experiences. Participating facilities must train their staff on obstetric discrimination and enroll eligible patients, defined as Black or African American individuals aged 18 or older residing in New Jersey and enrolled in NJ FamilyCare, to provide feedback on their experiences. The DHS will report on the pilot program's effectiveness and provide recommendations for future action.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S700