Bill > HB884

This bill establishes a grant program through the Georgia Department of Public Health to address maternity care access issues in underserved counties. The bill defines key terms such as "low access to maternity care areas" (counties with limited obstetric services) and "maternity care deserts" (counties with no obstetric care), and creates a grant program to support perinatal facilities in these regions. Grants can be used for recruiting and retaining obstetric providers, upgrading facilities and equipment, and creating partnerships with medical centers to improve obstetric care. The department is authorized to accept donations and pursue federal and private funding to support the program. Recipients of grants will be selected through an application process established by the department, and the program is contingent on annual state funding. The department must submit an annual report to state leadership detailing the grant program's effectiveness, including the number of facilities that applied and received grants. Additionally, the department is required to make biennial recommendations to the Georgia General Assembly about continuing or improving the grant program, and will develop necessary rules and regulations to implement the initiative.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71890