Grants to improve access to freestanding birth center services

Part P of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280g et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: 399V–8. Strong start birth center grants to assist birth centers with start-up or expansion costs to expand access to birth center services in underserved areas (a) In general The Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, may award grants to eligible birth centers that are accredited, or intend to seek accreditation, as birth centers by a nationally recognized accrediting body such as the Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers, or that have the intention of seeking such accreditation, for the purposes described in subsection (b). (b) Use of funds A birth center receiving a grant under this section may use such grant funds for any of the following purposes: (1) Renovation, expansion, or construction of a birth center facility. (2) Purchasing or updating equipment for a birth center. (3) Accreditation and State licensure activities. (c) Grants; grant amounts For each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030, the Secretary shall award grants under this section to up to 15 birth centers, each in an amount of not less than $300,000 and not more than $500,000. (d) Special considerations In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give special consideration to an eligible birth center that— (1) is located in, or offers services to, a geographic area that— (A) has been designated under section 332 as a health professional shortage area with respect to maternity care; or (B) has maternity care outcomes that are below a threshold established by the Secretary; and (2) has not previously received a grant under this section. (e) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2026 through 2030..