Expansion of CDC Prevention Research Centers Program to include Centers on Optimal Maternity Outcomes

(a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall support the establishment of additional Prevention Research Centers under the Prevention Research Center Program administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Such additional centers shall each be known as a Center for Excellence on Optimal Maternity Outcomes. (b) Research Each Center for Excellence on Optimal Maternity Outcomes shall— (1) conduct at least one focused program of research to improve maternity outcomes, including the reduction of cesarean birth rates, early elective inductions, prematurity rates, and low birth weight rates within an underserved population that has a disproportionately large burden of suboptimal maternity outcomes, including maternal mortality and morbidity, infant mortality, prematurity, or low birth weight, which such program shall include developing performance and quality measures for accountability; (2) work with partners on special interest projects, as specified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other relevant agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services, and on projects funded by other sources; and (3) involve a minimum of two distinct birth setting models, such as— (A) a hospital labor and delivery model and freestanding birth center model; or (B) a hospital labor and delivery model and planned home birth model. (c) Interdisciplinary providers Each Center for Excellence on Optimal Maternity Outcomes shall include the following interdisciplinary providers of maternity care: (1) Obstetrician-gynecologists. (2) At least two of the following providers: (A) Family practice physicians. (B) Nurse practitioners. (C) Physician assistants. (D) Certified professional midwives, certified nurse-midwives, or certified midwives. (d) Services Research conducted by each Center for Excellence on Optimal Maternity Outcomes shall include at least 2 (and preferably more) of the following supportive provider services: (1) Mental health. (2) Doula labor support. (3) Nutrition education. (4) Childbirth education. (5) Social work. (6) Physical therapy or occupation therapy. (7) Substance use disorder services. (8) Home visiting. (e) Coordination The programs of research at each of the Centers of Excellence on Optimal Maternity Outcomes shall complement and not replicate the work of the other. (f) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.