The Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act aims to improve emergency obstetric care in rural areas by training healthcare providers who work in facilities without dedicated obstetric units to handle pregnancy and delivery emergencies. The bill creates training programs and grants for rural hospitals, critical access hospitals, and rural emergency hospitals to purchase equipment, develop emergency protocols, and cross-train staff in obstetric emergency care, including management of complications like hemorrhage, severe hypertension, and mental health conditions. The legislation also establishes a pilot telehealth program to connect rural facilities with maternal health specialists for urgent consultations. The bill authorizes $5 million for obstetric emergency training from 2025 through 2027, $15 million for equipment and workforce support from 2025 through 2028, and $5 million for the telehealth pilot from 2025 through 2028. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services is required to study maternity ward closures and regional patterns of patient transfer, with a report due to Congress within three years.
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