Bill > H7626

This bill, titled the Rhode Island Maternal Health Improvement and Equity Act of 2026, aims to create lasting statewide support for maternal health by establishing a permanent advisory board and implementing a strategic plan to improve care and access. The advisory board, composed of seven members appointed by various state leaders, will oversee the implementation of the maternal health strategic plan, review data on disparities, and advise the Department of Health (RIDOH) on data modernization, workforce development, and community grants. The bill defines key terms such as "maternal health workforce" to include midwives, doulas, and community health workers, and "MHI" as the federal Maternal Health Innovation grant that RIDOH received. It also mandates the creation of a maternal health data and surveillance unit to monitor outcomes and integrate social and environmental factors, a workforce development program to train and support maternal health professionals, and community-based grants to fund local services like prenatal navigation and postpartum mental health support. The bill emphasizes the need for long-term sustainability beyond the federal grant, requiring the department to submit a sustainability plan in its budget requests starting in Fiscal Year 2029, and it will take effect upon passage.

Health and Social Services

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