Virginia Senate Bill SB1457

Virginia 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/25
• Refer: 1/17/25

Caption

Maternal Health Monitoring Pilot Program; pregnancy mobile application, report.

Impact

This legislation introduces significant advancements in maternal healthcare delivery in Virginia, primarily by establishing a structured program that leverages technology to enhance health monitoring for pregnant individuals. The Pilot Program is designed to address maternal hypertension and diabetes through remote patient monitoring, allowing healthcare providers to actively track health data and provide timely interventions when necessary. The program intends to enroll at least 300 eligible participants across various cities and counties, demonstrating its goal of widespread accessibility and utilization of maternal health resources.

Summary

Senate Bill 1457 aims to enhance maternal health monitoring in Virginia through the implementation of a comprehensive Pilot Program and the development of a dedicated mobile application for prenatal, pregnant, and postpartum individuals insured by Medicaid. The legislation mandates the Department of Health to create a maternal health monitoring program that utilizes mobile technology to provide education, resources, and support tailored to these individuals. The bill emphasizes the inclusion of information that complies with recognized clinical standards and is accessible in multiple languages, ensuring that various demographics within the state receive appropriate maternal healthcare resources.

Contention

Notable points raised during discussions around SB1457 include concerns regarding the execution and management of the program, such as the selection process for the technology vendor and managed care organization. Legislators have debated the feasibility of achieving the proposed aims within the specified timeline and budgetary constraints. Additionally, discussions highlighted the potential need for continuous assessment and reporting on the effectiveness of the Pilot Program, emphasizing the importance of data collection and analysis in determining the success of such healthcare initiatives. There is a recognized need for thorough oversight to ensure that the program effectively meets its goals and can adapt to the needs of the community.