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119-s-380119th CongressWALLET

Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act

Sponsored By: Senator Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]

In Committee

Summary

Strengthens emergency obstetric care in rural and non-obstetric hospitals. This bill creates HRSA grant programs for training, equipment, telehealth, and care coordination so rural facilities can better stabilize and manage obstetric emergencies.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

More rural obstetric training and care

If enacted, the bill would create new rural obstetric readiness programs. The Secretary would fund training and technical help so non‑obstetric rural sites can stabilize obstetric emergencies and coordinate transfers. It would require use of evidence-based best practices and training, develop a maternal health collaboration model, and let grantees build telehealth networks for prenatal, labor, birthing, and postpartum care. The bill would change reporting to require a report in 2028 and every two years after. It would also require a study mapping maternity ward closures and regional patient transport patterns. The bill would extend related program authorization windows to 2027 through 2031.

New grant money and minimum grants

If enacted, the bill would authorize $15 million per year for FY2028–2032 for one rural obstetric allocation and $17.3 million per year for FY2028–2032 for another allocation. It would also direct the Secretary to award not less than $2 million per year in grants or cooperative agreements for listed training and readiness activities, subject to available appropriations. The $2 million minimum would only apply in a year when funds made available for the section exceed the amount appropriated for fiscal year 2026. These are authorizations and depend on Congress providing the money.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]

NH • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]

    ME • R

    Sponsored 2/4/2025

  • Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL]

    AL • R

    Sponsored 2/4/2025

  • Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN]

    MN • D

    Sponsored 2/4/2025

  • Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV]

    WV • R

    Sponsored 2/13/2025

  • Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA]

    WA • D

    Sponsored 4/1/2025

  • Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]

    DE • D

    Sponsored 4/3/2025

  • Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV]

    WV • R

    Sponsored 4/3/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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