AONL CEO describes AHA effort to improve maternal health

In an op-ed for Fierce Healthcare, AONL CEO Robyn Begley, DNP, RN, described how hospitals and health systems are “redoubling [their] efforts to make sure women have safe pregnancies and positive health outcomes across the continuum of care.” The American Hospital Association (AHA) Better Health for Mothers and Babies initiative is calling on hospitals to identify disparities in care, engage with consumers and partner with clinicians and community stakeholders to improve care before, during and after pregnancy. The initiative includes support for the Mothers and Offspring Mortality and Morbidity Awareness Act (H.R. 1897/). According to Begley, the legislation would “improve state maternal mortality data, provide funding to promote safe practices and cultural competency and extend health coverage and services for low-income postpartum women.” (Fierce Healthcare op-ed, 8/5/19)