The California Senate unanimously approved a bill aimed at expanding access to maternity care in rural communities that have lost labor-and-delivery services.
Senate Bill 669, co-authored by Sen. Megan Dahle, R-Bieber, would create a pilot program for up to five critical-access rural hospitals to offer maternity care under a new model developed by Plumas District Hospital in Quincy.
The so-called “Plumas model” would allow hospitals to provide labor-and-delivery services on a standby basis, with medical teams available within 30 minutes, rather than requiring 24/7 staffing. Supporters say the approach makes maternity care more sustainable for small hospitals that otherwise cannot maintain round-the-clock delivery wards.
“Many rural communities have become maternity care deserts, forcing women to travel long distances to give birth — a dangerous situation for mothers and babies alike,” Dahle said in a statement. “I’m grateful to the healthcare leaders in Plumas County who refused to give up on this issue. Their creative approach is setting a new standard for what is possible in rural California.”
The bill now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk for consideration.
