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HB 1869

TO CREATE THE MATERNAL OUTCOMES MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH; AND TO ORGANIZE MATERNAL HEALTH RESOURCES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Missy Irvin and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1869 establishes a Maternal Outcomes Management System in Arkansas to improve maternal health by organizing resources, educating providers, and incentivizing best practices.

Notification that HB1869 is now Act 868
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Bill Summary · HB 1869

Summary of House Bill 1869: Maternal Outcomes Management System

Bill Number: HB 1869
Title: To Create the Maternal Outcomes Management System within the Department of Health; and to Organize Maternal Health Resources
Status: Now Act 868
Introduced: March 20, 2025
Legislative Session: 95th General Assembly, Regular Session, 2025

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1869 aims to establish a comprehensive statewide system to improve maternal health outcomes in Arkansas. The bill focuses on organizing maternal health resources, educating healthcare providers and patients, incentivizing best practices, and collecting critical data to enhance maternal care.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant components under a new subchapter in Arkansas Code Title 20, Chapter 16:

Maternal Outcomes Management System

  • Creation of the System: The Department of Health is tasked with creating the "Maternal Outcomes Management System" (MOMS).
  • Resource Organization: MOMS will research and organize maternal health resources, including:
    • Enrollment information for the Arkansas Medicaid Program
    • Lactation education
    • Provider access and transportation resources
    • Maternal health education and local community support services
  • Education Initiatives: The system will provide education to both patients and clinicians on maternal health issues.
  • Incentives for Best Practices: A grant program will be established to incentivize hospitals to adopt best practices in maternal care.
  • Data Collection: Collaboration with the Arkansas Hospital Association and the Department of Human Services to collect and analyze maternal health data from birthing hospitals.

Grant Program for Hospitals

  • Designation System: A grant program will be created for birthing and delivery hospitals, with a designation system based on their capability to provide clinical care for pregnant women.
  • Eligibility Requirements: Hospitals must meet specific criteria, including community outreach, clinician education, and participation in peer reviews.
  • Funding Distribution: Grants will prioritize hospitals with fewer resources to ensure equitable support.

Coordinating Call Centers

  • MOMS Care Connect: A call center will be established to coordinate transfers of pregnant women between hospitals.
  • Postpartum Support Hotline: A separate call center will proactively reach out to mothers post-delivery to assess their needs and provide necessary resources.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1869 is expected to significantly enhance maternal health care in Arkansas by:
- Improving access to resources and education for both healthcare providers and patients.
- Promoting best practices in maternal care through financial incentives.
- Facilitating better coordination of care and support for mothers during and after pregnancy.

Procedural Timeline

  • March 20, 2025: Bill filed and referred to the House Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor.
  • April 7, 2025: Amendment adopted; bill engrossed.
  • April 14, 2025: Passed by both the House and Senate.
  • April 17, 2025: Bill notified as Act 868.

This legislation represents a proactive step towards addressing maternal health challenges in Arkansas, aiming to create a structured and supportive environment for mothers and healthcare providers alike.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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