Study of Access to Obstetrical Services (language only)

Item 298 #2s

Language
Page 228, after line 8, insert:
"The Secretary of Health and Human Resources, with agencies assisting as requested, shall study the availability of obstetrical services throughout the Commonwealth.  In conducting the study, the Secretary shall: (i) assess the current availability of obstetrical services in the Commonwealth and identify any areas of the Commonwealth where there is inadequate access to such services; (ii) identify the main reasons why there are areas of the Commonwealth where there is inadequate access to obstetrical care; (iii) identify any specific problems regarding access to obstetrical care for Medicaid and FAMIS enrollees; (iv) evaluate the current availability and affordability of malpractice insurance for obstetricians and assess the degree to which this may be contributing to the lack of access to obstetrical care in certain areas of the Commonwealth; and (v) recommend actions that can be taken to improve access to obstetrical care throughout the Commonwealth.  The Bureau of Insurance shall assist the Secretary in conducting this study and provide support and information regarding the availability of malpractice insurance and the trends in such premiums over the last ten years and future projections.  The Secretary shall report the findings of the study to the Governor, and to the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees by November 1, 2004."

Explanation
(This amendment requires the Secretary of Health and Human Resources to conduct a study of obstetrical services in the Commonwealth in order to determine what future course of action is prudent.)