Substitute House Bill No. 7102 seeks to improve maternal and infant health care by developing a strategic plan to increase the availability of birth centers and birthing hospitals in areas with high Medicaid recipient populations and limited access to such facilities. The Commissioner of Health Strategy, in collaboration with the Commissioners of Social Services and Public Health, will identify barriers to establishing these centers and hospitals, propose state incentives for their opening, and evaluate best practices nationwide to ensure sustainability. A report detailing recommendations and potential state appropriations for this initiative is required by January 1, 2027. The bill also establishes a Connecticut Fatherhood Initiative (CFI) Council to oversee objectives related to fatherhood and family services, emphasizing the importance of fathers in maternal health and allowing the Commissioner of Social Services to apply for federal and private funds to support responsible parenting programs.

House Amendment "A" modifies the original bill by removing the requirement for Medicaid rate increases for doula services, thereby eliminating associated costs. It also extends the deadline for the Office of Health Strategy's report from December 1, 2025, to January 1, 2027, and sets the effective date for the bill to July 1, 2025. Overall, the bill aims to enhance access to maternal and infant health care without imposing new fiscal impacts on the state or municipalities.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
HS Joint Favorable:
File No. 408:
File No. 814: