Overview

Proposed federal legislation to provide funding for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to establish rural obstetric networks for improving outcomes in birth and maternal morbidity. Specifically, these networks must (1) connect individuals with care providers, (2) identify successful maternal-care models, (3) facilitate collaboration among rural providers, (4) provide training and guidance, (5) collaborate with academic institutions that have regional expertise, and (6) measure and address inequities in birth outcomes among rural residents.

Additionally, the bill adds maternal-health services as part of the telehealth network and telehealth resource-centers grant programs and makes a series of changes to the research and reporting requirements of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Government Accountability Office with respect to data on maternal-health outcomes.

Sponsor(s): U.S. Rep. Xochitl Torres Small [D-NM-2]

Publication Date: September 9, 2019

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