Rural obstetric network grants

The Secretary shall award grants or cooperative agreements to eligible entities to establish collaborative improvement and innovation networks (referred to in this section as “rural obstetric networks”) to improve maternal and infant health outcomes and reduce preventable maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity by improving maternity care and access to care in rural areas, frontier areas, maternity care health professional target areas, or jurisdictions of Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations. Grants or cooperative agreements awarded pursuant to this section shall be used for the establishment or continuation of collaborative improvement and innovation networks to improve maternal and infant health outcomes and reduce preventable maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity by improving prenatal care, labor care, birthing, and postpartum care services in rural areas. Rural obstetric networks established in accordance with this section may— In this section: The term “eligible entities” means entities providing prenatal care, labor care, birthing, and postpartum care services in rural areas, frontier areas, or medically underserved areas, or to medically underserved populations or Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations. The term “frontier area” means a frontier county, as defined in section 1395ww(d)(3)(E)(iii)(III) of this title. The terms “Indian Tribe” and “Tribal organization” have the meanings given the terms “Indian tribe” and “tribal organization” in section 5304 of title 25. The term “maternity care health professional target area” has the meaning described in section 254e(k)(2) of this title. Not later than September 30, 2026, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on activities supported by grants awarded under this section, including— There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2027.