OK SB222

Create the Maternity Care Pilot Program administered by the State Department of Health to award one hospital a one-time $5,000,000 grant to add labor and delivery services.

Eligible hospitals must be licensed critical access hospitals organized as 501(c)(3) charities, owned by a municipality or county, profitable for two consecutive years, currently lacking labor and delivery services, with available space and at least one Certified Nurse-Midwife on staff.

Department shall develop application process and scoring criteria, selecting the highest-scoring applicant for the grant award.

Grant funds may only be used for obstetrics team staffing costs and benefits, acquisition of essential equipment and medical instruments, and educational classes on maternal and infant health; construction and renovation costs are prohibited.

Effective July 1, 2025, with emergency clause allowing immediate effect upon passage and approval.