The bill, titled "The Motherhood Initiative," aims to enhance maternal health and early learning in Florida. It mandates the Department of Health to establish a home visit program for expectant mothers as part of the Healthy Start program, which will include screenings for depression and substance abuse, blood pressure monitoring, and educational resources on newborn care. Additionally, the bill authorizes the Agency for Health Care Administration to reduce fees for birthing centers in underserved areas and removes previous acceptance criteria for these centers. It also requires the Department of Health to provide blood pressure monitors to expectant mothers and create educational materials regarding their use.

Furthermore, the bill introduces definitions for "doula" and "midwife," allowing their presence during childbirth in hospitals. It incentivizes early learning centers to operate 24 hours to accommodate nontraditional work hours for first responders and healthcare practitioners. The continuing education requirements for physicians will now include information on Medicaid payments for pregnant women. Lastly, the bill revises the age requirement for school attendance, lowering it from six to five years. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 1029 Filed: 383.305, 383.31, 1002.83