Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB5262

Introduced
9/25/24  

Caption

BABIES Act Better Availability of Birth Centers Improves Outcomes and Expands Savings Act

Impact

The enactment of this bill would lead to modifications in the available support and funding for birth centers across the United States. It authorizes funds for grants up to $500,000 per birth center for various purposes, such as renovation, expansion, and purchasing equipment necessary for providing quality maternity care. Special considerations are aimed at centers located in health professional shortage areas, establishing a focused approach to improving care where it is needed the most. By increasing the availability and quality of maternity services, the bill could indeed lower costs associated with more intensive care in hospitals.

Summary

Senate Bill 5262, known as the 'Better Availability of Birth Centers Improves Outcomes and Expands Savings Act' or 'BABIES Act', aims to address the ongoing shortages in maternity care and promote better outcomes for mothers and newborns. This bill seeks to expand access to freestanding birth centers, especially in underserved areas, by providing grants for their start-up or expansion. Additionally, it explores more effective payment models for care provided at these centers, which can significantly enhance healthcare delivery for low-risk pregnancies.

Contention

While the bill represents significant progress in improving maternity care access, some lawmakers and advocacy groups may contend over funding distribution, especially regarding how to effectively measure and report outcomes from the grant programs initiated under this bill. Additionally, concerns may arise regarding potential liabilities or regulatory challenges for birth centers, particularly in terms of state licensure requirements. Further, discussions would likely focus on ensuring that the mother and newborn care provided meets high standards of safety and quality, as well as how effectively these centers can integrate into the broader healthcare system.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SB1598

BABIES Act Better Availability of Birth Centers Improves Outcomes and Expands Savings Act

US SB3090

MOMMIES Act Maximizing Outcomes for Moms through Medicaid Improvement and Enhancement of Services Act

US HB6004

MOMMIES Act Maximizing Outcomes for Moms through Medicaid Improvement and Enhancement of Services Act

US SB5236

Keeping Obstetrics Local Act

US SB4055

Improving Contracting Outcomes Act of 2024

US HB10059

International Financial Institution Improvements Act of 2024

US SB3716

401Kids Savings Account Act of 2024

US SB992

NEWBORN Act Nationally Enhancing the Well-being of Babies through Outreach and Research Now Act

US HB10006

CAT Act of 2024 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Auditor Transparency Act of 2024

US HB7162

401Kids Savings Account Act of 2024

Similar Bills

US SB1598

BABIES Act Better Availability of Birth Centers Improves Outcomes and Expands Savings Act

US HB3274

Child Care Infrastructure Act Infrastructure Grants To Improve Child Care Safety Act

US HB10214

Dads Matter Act of 2024

US SB1797

IMPACT to Save Moms Act

US HB9161

Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2024 CHANGE Act Correcting Hurtful and Alienating Names in Government Expression Act Immigrants’ Mental Health Act of 2024 Menstrual Equity For All Act of 2024 Real Education and Access for Healthy Youth Act of 2024 Data To Save Moms Act CARE for Moms Act Community Access, Resources, and Empowerment for Moms Act Senior Hunger Prevention Act of 2024 Universal School Meals Program Act of 2024

US HB3346

IMPACT to Save Moms Act Innovative Maternal Payment and Coverage To Save Moms Act

KY HB90

AN ACT relating to maternal health and declaring an emergency.

US HR1539

Recognizing the roles and the contributions of United States certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives in providing high-quality, evidence-based, and cost-effective health care services to women and childbearing families.