The "Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act" aims to enhance maternal health in Arkansas by amending existing laws and introducing new provisions. The bill repeals the previous Arkansas Code 20-77-151 regarding depression screening for pregnant women and establishes a new subchapter under Arkansas Code Title 20, Chapter 77, specifically focused on maternal health. This new subchapter includes provisions for depression screening, coverage for prenatal, delivery, and postpartum services, presumptive eligibility for pregnant women applying for Medicaid, and reimbursement for self-measurement blood pressure monitoring and remote ultrasound procedures. Additionally, it mandates reimbursement for services provided by doulas and community health workers related to prenatal and postpartum care.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the statute of limitations for medical injury claims involving minors, particularly those occurring during childbirth. It specifies that if a medical injury is alleged to have occurred during childbirth, the minor or their representative has until the minor's fifth birthday to commence legal action. The Department of Human Services is tasked with implementing the new provisions, including applying for necessary federal waivers and adopting rules to ensure compliance with the new regulations.

Statutes affected:
SB 213: 20-77-151, 16-114-203(c)
Act 140: 20-77-151, 16-114-203(c)