Bill > S4149

This bill, titled the "Social Determinants for Moms Act," mandates that the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) establish a task force to develop strategies and coordinate efforts aimed at eliminating preventable maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity (serious pregnancy-related health complications), and disparities in maternal health across the United States. This task force will include representatives from various federal agencies, such as Housing and Urban Development, Transportation, Agriculture, Labor, the Environmental Protection Agency, and key HHS administrations like CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), as well as individuals appointed by the Secretary, including patient representatives, community leaders, and healthcare providers, with a focus on those from communities disproportionately affected by maternal health issues. The task force will examine and propose solutions for both clinical and non-clinical factors impacting maternal health, including access to housing, healthy food, safe environments, childcare, and addressing issues like domestic violence. Furthermore, the bill authorizes grants to community-based organizations, Tribal entities, and public health departments to address these "social determinants of maternal health" – non-medical factors like housing, nutrition, and employment that significantly influence health outcomes – with a priority given to areas with high rates of maternal mortality and poverty. Both the task force and grant recipients will be required to report on their progress and findings, with the Secretary submitting a comprehensive report to Congress by fiscal year 2031.