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Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act
2/5/2024, 2:30 PM
Summary of Bill HR 3304
The bill includes provisions aimed at improving access to maternal health care services during the pandemic, such as increasing funding for telehealth services and expanding coverage for prenatal and postpartum care. It also seeks to address disparities in maternal health outcomes by providing resources for communities that have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
Additionally, the Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act includes measures to support healthcare providers who are on the frontlines of caring for pregnant individuals during the pandemic. This includes funding for personal protective equipment (PPE) and other resources to ensure the safety of both patients and healthcare workers. Overall, the goal of this legislation is to ensure that pregnant individuals receive the care and support they need during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to address the systemic issues that have contributed to disparities in maternal health outcomes. It is currently being debated in Congress, with bipartisan support for its passage.
Congressional Summary of HR 3304
Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act
This bill addresses data collection, public education, workplace safety, and other matters related to maternal health during public health emergencies.
Specifically, the bill supports (1) various programs and initiatives carried out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to collect data about maternal health, including racial, ethnic, and other demographic data; and (2) research activities of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Additionally, the CDC and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must make publicly available and periodically update pregnancy and postpartum data that is collected through federal surveillance systems during public health emergencies. The data must be disaggregated by factors such as race, ethnicity, insurance status, and location.
Further, the CDC must carry out a program to educate pregnant individuals, their employers, and their health care providers about maternal and infant health risks during public health emergencies.
The bill also requires the Department of Health and Human Services to convene a task force to develop recommendations on the provision of maternity care during public health emergencies with a particular focus on communities of color and rural populations.
