Definitions

In this Act: (1) Culturally and linguistically congruent The term culturally and linguistically congruent, with respect to care or maternity care, means care that is in agreement with the preferred cultural values, beliefs, worldview, language, and practices of the health care consumer and other stakeholders. (2) Maternal mortality The term maternal mortality means a death occurring during or within a 1-year period after pregnancy, caused by pregnancy-related or childbirth complications, including a suicide, overdose, or other death resulting from a mental health or substance use disorder attributed to or aggravated by pregnancy-related or childbirth complications. (3) Perinatal health worker The term perinatal health worker means a nonclinical health worker focused on maternal or perinatal health, such as a doula, community health worker, peer supporter, lactation educator or counselor, nutritionist or dietitian, childbirth educator, social worker, home visitor, patient navigator or coordinator, or language interpreter. (4) Postpartum and postpartum period The terms postpartum and postpartum period refer to the 1-year period beginning on the last day of the pregnancy of an individual. (5) Public health emergency The term public health emergency means a public health emergency declared under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d). (6) Racial and ethnic minority group The term racial and ethnic minority group has the meaning given such term in section 1707(g)(1) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300u–6(g)(1)). (7) Respectful maternity care The term respectful maternity care refers to care organized for, and provided to, pregnant and postpartum individuals in a manner that— (A) is culturally and linguistically congruent; (B) maintains their dignity, privacy, and confidentiality; (C) ensures freedom from harm and mistreatment; and (D) enables informed choice and continuous support. (8) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Health and Human Services. (9) Severe maternal morbidity The term severe maternal morbidity means a health condition, including mental health conditions and substance use disorders, attributed to or aggravated by pregnancy or childbirth that results in significant short-term or long-term consequences to the health of the individual who was pregnant.