S 380 United States Senate · 119th Congress

Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act

S 380, the Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act, creates a federal program to improve emergency obstetric care in rural health facilities without dedicated obstetric units. It establishes evidence-based training for non-obstetric providers to handle childbirth emergencies (like hemorrhage or severe hypertension), funds equipment purchases, and launches a telehealth pilot for rapid specialist consultations. The bill authorizes $5 million for training (2026-2028), $15 million for equipment and workforce support (2026-2029), and $5 million for teleconsultation (2026-2029). It directly affects rural hospitals and clinics in maternity care shortage areas, requiring them to coordinate with maternal health programs and develop emergency protocols. A separate study will map maternity ward closures and regional care patterns, reporting to Congress within three years.

Issues: ✓ Healthcare

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

President

Introduced Feb 4, 2025 Last action Jul 28, 2026

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Full legislative history

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Committee

Jul 28, 2026

Upper · Passed

Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Cassidy with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.

upper

Jul 22, 2026

Upper · Passed

Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

upper

Mar 19, 2026

Upper · Passed

Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Hearings held.

upper

Feb 4, 2025

Committee

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

upper

Feb 4, 2025

Introduced

Introduced in Senate

upper

1 primary · 7 co-sponsors