CMS proposes ‘Birthing-Friendly’ hospital designation

This week the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) plans to establish a “Birthing-Friendly” designation to drive improvements in perinatal health outcomes and maternal health equity. The designation would identify hospitals that provide perinatal care, are participating in a maternity care quality improvement collaborative and have implemented recommended patient safety practices. In related news, HHS announced it awarded $82 million in American Rescue Plan funding to 56 states to expand the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program. (CMS news release, 12/7/21)