Perinatal Workforce Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 25, 2026
Bottom line
The Perinatal Workforce Act seeks to address maternal health disparities and improve care quality by investing in the training and diversification of the perinatal and maternal nursing workforce, particularly in underserved areas and for minority groups.
What it actually does
This bill aims to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce disparities by expanding and diversifying the perinatal workforce. It directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue guidance to states on respectful maternal care, conduct a study on best practices, and establish grant programs for schools and programs training various perinatal health workers and nurses. It also mandates a GAO report on barriers to maternal health education and care access.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill is crucial for addressing the ongoing maternal health crisis in the United States, especially the disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity among racial and ethnic minority groups. They contend that a diversified and culturally competent perinatal workforce, coupled with increased access to care in underserved areas, will lead to better health outcomes and more respectful birthing experiences.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the goals are laudable, the bill's approach might be overly prescriptive or create new bureaucratic hurdles for healthcare providers and educational institutions. Some might also raise concerns about the federal government's role in workforce development that could traditionally be handled at the state level, or question the effectiveness of grant programs versus other policy interventions.
The bill is relatively concise and its structure is clear, making it accessible for an informed reader to understand its core provisions within a reasonable timeframe.
Section 2(a)
HHS Guidance to States on Diverse and Respectful Maternal Care Models
This section requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue guidance to states within two years. This guidance will educate providers and insurers on the value of respectful maternal health care delivered through diverse, multidisciplinary teams. It will encourage recruitment and retention of diverse providers, incorporation of various perinatal health workers (midwives, PAs, APRNs, lactation consultants), culturally congruent care, and job shadowing opportunities for midwifery students.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this guidance is essential to disseminate best practices and encourage systemic changes that address disparities and improve the quality of maternal care, particularly by promoting diversity and cultural competency in the workforce.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against guidance provisions, though some might argue that federal guidance can be overly burdensome or infringe on state autonomy in healthcare regulation.
Tradeoffs
Balances federal encouragement of best practices with state and local implementation flexibility.
Section 2(b)
NIH Study on Best Practices in Culturally Congruent Maternity Care
This section mandates the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct a study on best practices in respectful and culturally and linguistically congruent maternity care. Within two years, NIH must report its findings to Congress, including examples of successful models and recommendations for hospitals and other providers to reduce disparities and improve birthing experiences for minority groups.
Section 3, inserting new Section 758 into Title VII of the Public Health Service Act.
Perinatal Workforce Grants
This section authorizes HHS to award grants to entities to establish or expand programs that train physician assistants (with maternal/perinatal focus), perinatal health workers, and midwives. Priority is given to programs committed to recruiting diverse students and faculty, those planning to practice in health professional shortage areas or areas with significant maternal health disparities, and those including bias/racism training in their curriculum. It authorizes $15 million annually for fiscal years 2027-2031.
Section 4, inserting new Section 812 into Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act.
Perinatal Nursing Workforce Grants
This section authorizes HHS to award grants to schools of nursing to provide scholarships for students pursuing careers as nurse practitioners (with maternal/perinatal focus), certified nurse-midwives, or clinical nurse specialists (with maternal/perinatal focus). Similar to the previous grant program, priority is given to schools with strategies for recruiting diverse students, partnering with health professional shortage areas for clinical placements, and including bias/racism training. It authorizes $15 million annually for fiscal years 2027-2031.
Section 5
GAO Report on Barriers to Maternal Health Education and Access
This section directs the Comptroller General of the United States (GAO) to submit a report to Congress within two years of enactment, and every five years thereafter, on barriers to maternal health education and access to care. The report must assess barriers for low-income women and women from racial/ethnic minority groups in entering and completing midwifery and other maternity care education programs, and barriers for midwives meeting international standards. It also requires an assessment of disparities in access to various maternal care providers, stratified by demographic factors, and recommendations for promoting equity in access and compensation for perinatal health workers.
The bill repeatedly defines 'midwife' as someone who meets 'at a minimum, the international definition of a midwife and global standards for midwifery education as established by the International Confederation of Midwives.' It also provides a broad definition for 'perinatal health worker' in Section 6(3), including doulas, community health workers, lactation educators, social workers, etc.
Section 2(a)(2)(B)(i), Section 3(b)(1)(C), Section 6(2)(A), Section 5(3)
Why it matters:Standard legislative practice to define terms for clarity and consistency throughout the bill. The specific international standard for midwives ensures a high, globally recognized level of training and practice.
Case for: Proponents argue that adopting international standards for midwives ensures a high quality of care and aligns U.S. practice with global best practices, potentially improving outcomes. Broadly defining perinatal health workers allows for comprehensive support.
Case against: Some might argue that relying on an international definition could create conflicts with existing state-level licensing and certification for midwives, potentially creating new barriers or requiring significant regulatory adjustments.
Estimated impact: Potentially significant impact on the training, certification, and scope of practice for midwives in the U.S., and broadens the recognized scope of support roles in perinatal care.
The bill references 'registered dietitians or nutrition professionals (as such term is defined in section 1861(vv)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(vv)(2)))' when discussing recruitment and assessment of barriers.
Section 2(a)(2)(A), Section 5(2), Section 5(4)
Why it matters:Standard legislative practice to avoid re-defining terms already established in federal law, ensuring consistency.
Case for: Proponents argue that using existing definitions ensures consistency across federal programs and leverages established professional standards for these roles.
Case against: No specific opposition, as it's a technical reference.
Estimated impact: Ensures that the bill's provisions related to nutrition professionals align with established federal definitions, impacting who is eligible for recruitment incentives or included in barrier assessments.