The proposed amendments to House Bill No. 1464 focus on establishing a legislative management study related to maternal care services in North Dakota. The bill replaces the previous provisions regarding postpartum doula certification with a broader study that will analyze the availability and utilization of prenatal services, childbirth service availability, and the coverage of these services by public assistance and private insurance. The study will also evaluate ways to increase the number of obstetrician-gynecologists and family practitioners in the state, explore certification and reimbursement processes for doula and midwife services, and consider opportunities for improving maternal and infant health outcomes.

Additionally, the bill outlines the need for input from various stakeholders, including medical institutions, maternal and infant health organizations, and practitioners in the field. The findings and recommendations from this study, along with any necessary legislation, will be reported to the seventieth legislative assembly. This shift in focus aims to enhance maternal care services and address gaps in the current system, ultimately improving health outcomes for mothers and infants in North Dakota.