S.958 - Tech to Save Moms Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The Tech to Save Moms Act aims to improve maternal health outcomes through the use of technology. It amends the Social Security Act to promote telehealth in maternity care and establishes grant programs to expand technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building models. The Act also directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct studies and provide reports on the use of technology in maternity care, with a focus on reducing disparities and promoting equity.
Expected Effects
This act will likely increase the use of telehealth and digital tools in maternal healthcare, particularly in underserved areas. It will also lead to the development of best practices and the evaluation of technology-enabled models. Ultimately, the goal is to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce disparities.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to maternal healthcare services, especially in rural and underserved areas.
- Improved quality of care through the use of technology and best practices.
- Reduction in maternal health disparities among different populations.
- Enhanced training and support for maternal healthcare providers.
- Better data collection and analysis to inform future improvements in maternal healthcare.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased healthcare costs due to the implementation of new technologies.
- Risk of exacerbating existing digital divides if access to technology and internet is not equitable.
- Possible privacy and security concerns related to the use of digital tools and data sharing.
- Limited scope of the grant programs, with only one grant awarded for certain initiatives.
- Delayed implementation, as some provisions take effect one year after enactment.
Constitutional Alignment
The Tech to Save Moms Act aligns with the general welfare clause of the US Constitution, which empowers Congress to enact laws that promote the health and well-being of the population. Specifically, the Act's focus on improving maternal health outcomes and reducing disparities falls under the purview of promoting the general welfare. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).