Perinatal Workforce Act

The Perinatal Workforce Act (S 1710) aims to increase diversity and improve care for pregnant and postpartum people by directing the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary to issue guidance for states on recruiting racially and linguistically diverse maternity care providers and establishing culturally competent care teams. It authorizes $15 million annually for 5 years to fund grants for schools training midwives, nurse practitioners, and perinatal health workers, prioritizing programs that recruit from underrepresented groups and address maternal health disparities in underserved areas. The bill requires grant recipients to track student demographics, career placements in shortage areas, and include implicit bias training in curricula. It also mandates a HHS study on best practices in equitable care and a GAO report assessing barriers to accessing maternal health education and services. The law directly affects hospitals, midwifery practices, nursing schools, and insurers by setting new standards for workforce diversity and culturally responsive care.