Nevada Assembly Committee supports AB 297 to expand home visiting services for Medicaid families
April 09, 2025 | 2025 Legislature NV, Nevada
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Nevada's Assembly Committee on Health and Human Services convened on April 9, 2025, to discuss Assembly Bill 297, which aims to expand home visiting services for families enrolled in Medicaid. This initiative is designed to support new parents during pregnancy and the postpartum period, providing essential resources and guidance to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
The bill does not mandate home visits; instead, participation is voluntary. When a mother enrolls in Medicaid, case management will inform her of the available home visiting services. If she opts in, trained professionals will visit her home to offer support, including mental health services, housing assistance, and nutrition programs. This approach is intended to alleviate stress and enhance stability for families as they navigate the challenges of welcoming a new child.
Stacy Weeks from Nevada Medicaid highlighted that home visiting programs have been implemented in 28 states, with substantial data supporting their effectiveness. Vicki Ives from the Division of Public and Behavioral Health provided insights into the positive outcomes associated with these programs, noting improvements in developmental screenings, school readiness, and safe sleep practices among families served.
Support for AB 297 was voiced by various stakeholders, including Carissa Pierce from the Children's Advocacy Alliance, who emphasized the importance of connecting families with necessary resources. Davida Tyson from the Nevada Women's Lobby underscored the critical nature of the postpartum period and the role of home visits in fostering nurturing environments for children.
The committee also heard personal testimonies, including one from Jolina Walker, a lactation consultant and doula, who shared her own experience with a home visiting nurse that significantly impacted her postpartum recovery and breastfeeding journey.
As the committee moves forward, the implications of AB 297 could lead to improved health outcomes for mothers and infants across Nevada, making vital support services more accessible to those in need. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential amendments to ensure the bill effectively meets the needs of families statewide.
The bill does not mandate home visits; instead, participation is voluntary. When a mother enrolls in Medicaid, case management will inform her of the available home visiting services. If she opts in, trained professionals will visit her home to offer support, including mental health services, housing assistance, and nutrition programs. This approach is intended to alleviate stress and enhance stability for families as they navigate the challenges of welcoming a new child.
Stacy Weeks from Nevada Medicaid highlighted that home visiting programs have been implemented in 28 states, with substantial data supporting their effectiveness. Vicki Ives from the Division of Public and Behavioral Health provided insights into the positive outcomes associated with these programs, noting improvements in developmental screenings, school readiness, and safe sleep practices among families served.
Support for AB 297 was voiced by various stakeholders, including Carissa Pierce from the Children's Advocacy Alliance, who emphasized the importance of connecting families with necessary resources. Davida Tyson from the Nevada Women's Lobby underscored the critical nature of the postpartum period and the role of home visits in fostering nurturing environments for children.
The committee also heard personal testimonies, including one from Jolina Walker, a lactation consultant and doula, who shared her own experience with a home visiting nurse that significantly impacted her postpartum recovery and breastfeeding journey.
As the committee moves forward, the implications of AB 297 could lead to improved health outcomes for mothers and infants across Nevada, making vital support services more accessible to those in need. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential amendments to ensure the bill effectively meets the needs of families statewide.
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