Bill > HB1353

This bill directs the Commissioner of Health to establish a diverse work group, including representatives from the Department of Health, the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association, the Medical Society of Virginia, hospitals, health insurance providers, public health and clinical experts, and patient advocates, to explore the possibility of a statewide maternal health safety initiative. This initiative aims to enhance care for expectant mothers (antepartum) and those who have recently given birth (postpartum) through methods like patient education, identification systems such as wristbands, clinical alerts, and community involvement. The work group will also examine the costs, funding options, and public awareness needs for such an initiative, create a system for collecting and analyzing data, and suggest a plan for putting it into action. The Commissioner is required to provide an initial progress report by November 1, 2026, and a final report with recommendations by July 1, 2027, to specific legislative committees and the Commission on Women's Health.

Health and Social Services

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1353