Rural maternity emergency grants would support training, equipment, and advice

Federal awards would help hospitals prepare for maternity emergencies. Eligible rural, critical access, and rural emergency hospitals must be in rural areas or designated primary care shortage areas also short of maternity care professionals. Three-member groups with at least two eligible hospitals could qualify. Congress would need to provide funding. Recipients would consult nearby maternal and child health programs and coordinate with federally funded programs where practical. The proposal would authorize $15 million total for fiscal years 2026 through 2029.

Training grant recipients would develop and help workers access maternity emergency training based on evidence. Training would serve health care workers in rural facilities without dedicated maternity units. Congress would need to provide funding. Recipients would assess training needs, consult medical society representatives, and help facilities access training through regional partnerships and technical help. Training would cover care within each worker’s authorized role. The proposal would authorize $5 million total for fiscal years 2026 through 2028.

Federal awards would support rapid maternity care advice by phone or telehealth. States, local governments, tribes, and tribal organizations could receive awards to serve rural facilities without dedicated maternity units. Congress would need to provide funding. Doctors giving advice would need verified qualifications at their employing facility and must meet state requirements where the patient receives care. The proposal would authorize $5 million total for fiscal years 2026 through 2029. Recipients would report within 18 months of first receiving a grant.

The federal health secretary would study rural maternity care access. The study would cover maternity ward closures, regional patient transport patterns, and ways rural providers could work together. The report would be due within three years after the bill becomes law.