CMS proposes maternal health, safety requirements for hospitals

On July 10, 2024, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a proposed rule for the 2025 calendar year that would require hospitals to take steps to approve maternal healthcare to remain in Medicare.  

“For too long, too many women in the United States have been dying during pregnancy or in the postpartum period, and this crisis has disproportionately affected women of color,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra in the HHS press release. “HHS is taking additional steps to improve maternal health by strengthening the care new moms and their babies receive at our nation’s hospitals. The Biden–Harris Administration continues to be committed to making pregnancy and childbirth safer.” 

According to the press release, the proposed rule revises the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and the Medicare Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) payment system to reduce maternal mortality, promote health equity, and support underserved communities.  

“The proposed hospital outpatient rule builds on the Biden–Harris Administration’s commitment to reducing the nation’s high maternal mortality rate and actions outlined in the White House Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis, increasing access to services in tribal, rural, and other underserved communities, and addressing barriers to Medicare coverage for those recently incarcerated. This proposed rule is proof that we are committed to ensure people aren’t just covered, but that coverage is meaningful,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure.  

If approved, the proposed rule would mark the first federally mandated baseline health and safety requirements for obstetrical services in hospitals and critical access hospitals. These standards address multiple factors, including organization, staffing, obstetrical care delivery, emergency services readiness, transfer protocols for obstetrical patients, and staff training on evidence-based maternal health practices and cultural competencies.  

“CMS is using all of our tools to improve the safety, quality, and timeliness of the care that hospitals provide to pregnant women,” said Dora Hughes, MD, PhD, Acting CMS Chief Medical Officer and Acting Director for CMS’ Center for Clinical Standards and Quality. “Through these proposals, we will ensure people get timely access to quality care in their communities, leading to improved outcomes and better health.”