HF 2605

as introduced - 92nd Legislature (2021 - 2022) Posted on 05/10/2021 04:14pm

A bill for an act
relating to health; requiring the commissioner of human services to take certain
action to improve midwifery access; requiring recommendations.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin EXPANDING MIDWIFERY ACCESS.
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new text begin (a) To improve maternal and infant health and birth outcomes in groups with the most
significant disparities, including Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color, rural
communities, and people with low incomes, the commissioner of human services, in
partnership with patient groups, culturally based community organizations, and midwifery
providers, shall:
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new text begin (1) confer with commissioner of health to develop procedures and services designed for
making midwifery services available throughout Minnesota;
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new text begin (2) study payment reforms that would expand access to midwifery in Minnesota, including
a bundled payment for comprehensive maternity and newborn care episodes in Minnesota;
and
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new text begin (3) make recommendations on ways to promote and expand racial, ethnic, and language
diversity in the midwifery workforce that better aligns with the childbearing population in
groups with the most significant maternal and infant mortality and morbidity disparities.
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new text begin (b) The recommendations required by paragraph (a) shall be reported to the chairs and
ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over health finance
and policy by December 31, 2021.
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