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Engaging the Public in Government Regulation
Utilizing Citizen Participation to Enhance Maternal Health
Case Study: Proposed CMS Standards for Obstetrical Services in Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals

At Moonshot Press, we are committed to transforming maternal health and empowering citizens to play an active role in shaping healthcare policy. The Reimagine Maternal Well-being Initiative is part of our broader effort to engage the public in creating healthier futures for mothers and children. This initiative leverages the recently proposed CMS Standards for Obstetrical Services in Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals as a unique opportunity to test a citizen-focused approach to government regulation.

 

By centering our efforts in Montgomery County, PA, we aim to connect national policy with local action, demonstrating the impact that informed and engaged citizens can have on healthcare systems. Our goal is to use the CMS proposed regulations as a practical framework to empower citizens, fostering a more inclusive regulatory process that aligns with the principles of our Democracy of Opportunity moonshot.

The Significance of the Proposed CMS Regulations

The United States continues to face a maternal health crisis, with the highest maternal mortality rates among developed nations. This crisis disproportionately affects racial and ethnic minorities, revealing deep-rooted inequities in the healthcare system. In response, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have proposed new standards to enhance the safety and quality of maternal care in hospitals.

 

These proposed regulations focus on ensuring that hospitals adhere to stricter safety measures, but to fully address the maternal health crisis, more comprehensive solutions are needed. That's why Moonshot Press sees this as an opportunity to engage the public and shape the future of maternal health policy.

 

This engagement is grounded in the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), which mandates public participation in the federal rule-making process. The APA ensures that citizens have the right to voice their concerns, ideas, and perspectives, especially during the public comment period. Moonshot Press is dedicated to demystifying this process, empowering citizens to make meaningful contributions.

 

The Broader Goals of the Initiative

Our initiative is about more than just responding to a specific set of regulations. It’s about reshaping how we, as citizens, approach healthcare and civic engagement. Our primary goals include:

  • Enhancing Maternal and Infant Well-being: Focus on the first 1,000 days of life to improve maternal and infant health outcomes, setting the foundation for lifelong well-being.

  • Empowering Civic Engagement: Encourage citizens to better understand government actions that impact them, participate in shaping policies that affect their lives by demystifying the regulatory process. 

    • Provide tools and resources that enable citizens to engage in the regulatory process, including submitting public comments and participating in local advocacy efforts.

  • Promoting Journalism that Strengthens Democracy: Use Moonshot Press as a platform for informed dialogue, enhancing citizen agency and fostering active participation.

  • Leveraging Technology for Better Communication: Make regulatory information more accessible and understandable through technology and AI tools.

  • Increase Awareness: Ensure that Montgomery County residents are well-informed about the CMS proposed regulations and their potential impact on maternal health.

  • Enhance Transparency and Accountability: Promote dialogue between healthcare providers, hospital boards, and the community to ensure that maternal health services are transparent, safe, and equitable.

  • Support Local Implementation: Use citizen feedback to guide the implementation of CMS standards in Montgomery County, focusing on improving maternal care and addressing local needs.

 

By focusing on these broader goals, we can create a more inclusive healthcare system that reflects the needs of all citizens.

 

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