Requires DOH to establish levels of maternity care at maternity care facilities.
The implementation of this bill is expected to significantly improve the quality of maternity care in New Jersey by within an integrated continuum of clinical and social risk-informed care. By differentiating facilities based on their capability to handle various maternity care needs, the legislation aims to ensure that pregnant patients have access to appropriate levels of care. This system should also facilitate the transfer of patients to higher-level facilities when necessary, potentially reducing complications associated with maternal health and improving overall patient experiences.
Senate Bill 701 aims to establish a formal classification system for maternity care in New Jersey, governed by the Department of Health (DOH). This bill requires the DOH to create a regionalized system that defines the roles of all state maternity care facilities based on the level of care they are equipped to provide. The classification will cover various designations, including accredited birthing centers, Level I basic maternity care hospitals, and specialized facilities, with the goal of ensuring high-quality maternity care across the state, reducing adverse experiences, and addressing disparities in maternal health outcomes.
While the bill is largely seen as a critical step towards improving maternity care, points of contention may arise regarding the practical application and monitoring of the classification system. Concerns could be raised about whether smaller facilities can meet the requirements for designation and whether this creates barriers to care for vulnerable populations. Additionally, disparities in access to resources among hospitals could impact the effectiveness of this classification system in addressing systemic inequities within maternal healthcare. Stakeholders may argue the need for thorough oversight to ensure that the system translates into meaningful health outcomes.