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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Maternal health and prenatal care

Sep 4, 2024 - The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) will hold a public meeting of the Advisory Committee on Infant and Maternal Mortality (ACIMM) on October 16-17, 2024. Agenda items are being finalized but may include committee discussions on the workgroup topics of rural healthcare access, social drivers of health, and women's health before/between pregnancies; federal updates; and possible recommendations to achieve optimal maternal health and overall birth outcomes for underserved populations, including Black/African-American families. The webinar link and log-in information will be available at the ACIMM website before the meeting. Requests for public comment should be sent via email to SACIM@hrsa.gov.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 13, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on the reinstatement with changes of an information collection titled "Conditions of Participation for Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) and Supporting Regulations." Changes include new Conditions of Participation regarding obstetrical services and respiratory illness reporting requirements outlined in the July 22, 2024, and scheduled August 28, 2024, rules, respectively. Comments are due by October 7, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 13, 2024 - Highlights the role of doulas in rural Virginia, particularly for Black women, in light of lost labor and delivery services. Discusses policy measures attempting to increase access to doula services, the health benefits of doula services, and reimbursement rates.
Source: Cardinal News
Aug 8, 2024 - Highlights a program aiming to improve maternal and infant mortality for Indigenous communities. The program helps Indigenous women develop and implement community projects with cultural and midwifery practices in mind. Discusses the health disparities for women and infants across the U.S. and Canada.
Source: Native News Online
Aug 7, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on the reinstatement with changes of an information collection titled "Hospital Conditions of Participation (CoPs) and Supporting Regulations." Among other things, changes include how the annual burden costs for information collection requirements for hospital Conditions of Participation (CoPs) are calculated and additional information collection requirements associated with a number of new CoPs for hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) regarding obstetrical services that are outlined in detail in a July 2024 proposed rule. Comments are due by October 7, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 6, 2024 - Features individuals impacted by Project CARA, an Asheville-based program that utilizes a hub-and-spoke model to bring substance use treatment services to pregnant and parenting people in rural North Carolina. Describes how the program works to address stigma-related barriers and expand access to buprenorphine treatment throughout pregnancy, in addition to other harm reduction services.
Source: 100 Days in Appalachia
Aug 6, 2024 - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ordered an immediate suspension of a pesticide, citing the risks to pregnant farmworkers.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Aug 6, 2024 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) Advisory Committee for Women's Services (ACWS) will hold a virtual public meeting on August 27, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Eastern. Agenda items include discussions on assessing SAMHSA's current strategies, including the mental health and substance use needs of women and girls. ACWS will also address strategic initiatives and policy recommendations regarding maternal behavioral health, pregnant and parenting women, eating disorders, and gender-based violence. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 25, 2024 - Highlights the impact of no access to obstetric care on communities and families in rural and other parts of Kansas. Discusses community growth, distance to care, telehealth, training for healthcare workers, and quality of care.
Source: Kansas Reflector