Improved Access to Birth Center Services for Low-Risk Pregnancies
This act aims to enhance access to birth services for women with low-risk pregnancies, particularly those covered by Medicaid. It establishes a demonstration program to develop innovative payment models for freestanding birth center services, potentially reducing costs and increasing care availability. This could offer more women the choice of giving birth outside a hospital, improving their comfort and birth experience.
Key points
Establishes a Medicaid demonstration program for freestanding birth centers to improve access and quality of birth services for low-risk pregnancies.
Introduces new payment guidelines to encourage birth center participation and ensure comprehensive care, including prenatal, labor, delivery, and postpartum services.
Sets accreditation and licensing criteria for birth centers to ensure safety and high-quality care.
Provides planning grants to states to develop and implement demonstration programs, aiming to increase the number of available birth centers.
Requires data reporting on clinical outcomes and costs to evaluate the program's effectiveness and impact on healthcare.
Expired
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