New NJ Laws Improving Maternal Health Care

 Excerpts
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed four bills into law Wednesday aimed at improving maternal health care, particularly lower-income residents using Medicaid.

The new laws were enacted just a day after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a study showing pregnancy-related deaths are rising and that being black is a main risk factor. New Jersey ranks near the bottom among states, according to the state Department of Health.

One measure provides for Medicaid to cover doulas. Another sets up a pilot program for perinatal care for those on Medicaid.

The third bill bars early, elective deliveries that are not medically necessary for those on Medicaid and on the state's health benefits plans. The bill's sponsors say that's important because early deliveries could present health risks for babies and moms, and that labor should be induced only if medically necessary, not because it's simply most convenient.

 The final measure codifies a current practice by requiring perinatal risk assessment forms be filled out by Medicaid providers.

Entire article at
https://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/wellness/governor-signs-bills-aimed-at-improving-maternity-care/article_84ede8cc-567b-5b26-8902-1033cd9e925a.html