Maternal Health – Assessments, Referrals, and Reporting (Maryland Maternal Health Act of 2024)

This bill establishes new requirements for hospitals and freestanding birthing centers in Maryland to improve maternal health care. It mandates that providers complete standardized prenatal risk assessment forms during initial visits and the third trimester, as well as postpartum referral forms for high-risk pregnancies. Facilities must also provide specific information on postpartum complications and call new parents within 24 to 48 hours after discharge. To ensure compliance, the state will withhold Medical Assistance Program reimbursement from any facility that fails to follow these protocols. Additionally, the bill creates a public report card for birthing facilities and requires local health departments to submit annual reports on the number of referrals made.