The California Senate has unanimously approved a bill aimed at improving access to maternity care in rural areas. The legislation, known as Senate Bill 669, was coauthored by Sen. Megan Dahle (R-Bieber) and seeks to address the growing issue of “maternity care deserts” in communities where hospitals have struggled to maintain labor-and-delivery services.
Senate Bill 669 establishes a pilot program for up to five critical-access rural hospitals. The initiative is based on a model developed by Plumas District Hospital in Quincy, which aims to continue providing maternity care for residents of Plumas County. Under this approach, called the “Plumas model,” hospitals can staff labor-and-delivery services on a “standby” basis, with medical teams available within 30 minutes rather than maintaining continuous 24/7 coverage. Many rural hospitals have found it unsustainable to offer round-the-clock staffing, resulting in pregnant women losing local delivery options and facing risks associated with traveling long distances for care.
“I’m very grateful to the community healthcare leaders in Plumas County who would not give up on their commitment to provide vital care for birthing women close to home,” Sen. Dahle said. “Their creative approach is setting a new standard for what is possible in rural California.”
Over the past decade, many rural communities across California have experienced closures of hospital maternity wards, prompting bipartisan support for this legislative effort. With Senate approval secured, SB 669 now awaits consideration by the governor.
