The new standards, released Aug. 29, come amid growing concerns over the quality of maternal care in U.S. hospitals. About 700 women die from pregnancy-related issues each year in the U.S., and the rate more than doubled between 1987 and 2015. The U.S. is the only developed country where maternal mortality rates are rising, according to a report from ProPublica and NPR.
The two standards include 13 new hospital requirements, which will take effect in July 2020. The requirements for treating and detecting postpartum hemorrhage include supply kits for quick emergency treatment and annual practice drills for staff members. To address severe hypertension/pre-eclampsia, hospitals must devise procedures on measuring high blood pressure and transferring women to other facilities.
To view the complete list of requirements, click here.
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