Bill > S380

This bill aims to improve obstetric emergency care in rural health facilities by establishing three key programs. First, it creates an Obstetric Emergency Training Program that will develop evidence-based training for practitioners in rural healthcare facilities without dedicated obstetric units, focusing on how to identify, stabilize, and safely transfer patients experiencing various pregnancy-related medical emergencies. Second, the bill establishes a grant program to support rural healthcare facilities in purchasing equipment, hiring personnel, and developing training opportunities for non-obstetric health professionals to enhance their obstetric emergency readiness. Third, the bill introduces a pilot teleconsultation program that will create statewide or regional networks of maternal health care teams to provide urgent support and consultative services to rural non-obstetric healthcare settings. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a comprehensive study on maternity ward closures and regional obstetric care models, with a report to be submitted to congressional committees within three years. The bill authorizes approximately $25 million in total funding across these initiatives for fiscal years 2026-2029, targeting the critical issue of limited obstetric care access in rural areas.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/380/all-info