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Subcommittee advances 300‑participant pilot to remotely monitor maternal hypertension and diabetes
Summary
House Bill 1976, creating a pilot for remote patient monitoring of maternal hypertension and diabetes for 300 participants, was reported and referred to appropriations by an 8-0 vote; supporters said the program could cut maternal morbidity and improve access in maternity‑care deserts.
The subcommittee reported House Bill 1976 by an 8-0 vote to refer the measure to the Appropriations Committee. The bill directs the Department of Health to implement a pilot providing remote patient monitoring for maternal hypertension and diabetes for 300 eligible participants and requires a final report to the governor and General Assembly no later than 18 months after the first participant is enrolled.
Delegate Loeffler, the bill’s sponsor, said maternal morbidity and mortality are worsening in Virginia and cited sharp increases in preexisting hypertension and diabetes among pregnant people. “This would improve accessibility to health care, especially for vulnerable populations,” she said, noting that more than 30% of Virginia counties are maternity‑care deserts with no obstetric hospitals or birth centers.
Supporters said models in Georgia and Florida showed large drops in maternal morbidity and emergency visits. Testifying in favor were Baby Scripts and several technology and clinical stakeholders; Nicole Lauter of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists told the committee the bill would provide another tool to identify and treat pregnant people early. Will Frank of the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) told the panel that DMAS already implements some remote patient monitoring for at‑risk pregnant people in Medicaid and that the bill should be considered alongside other RPM legislation before the committee.
During the hearing members asked about fiscal implications and interagency coordination; a committee speaker noted a $600,000 fiscal figure would appear in later consideration. After testimony, the subcommittee voted 8-0 to report the bill and refer it to Appropriations.
Ending: The bill moves to Appropriations with unanimous subcommittee support; the sponsor and witnesses said the pilot will be used to evaluate whether remote monitoring can reduce costs, emergency visits and adverse maternal outcomes.
