The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) recently finalized updates to the criteria for designating Maternity Care Health Professional Target Areas, effective Aug. 15, 2026. The revised methodology removes the Social Vulnerability Index and places greater emphasis on travel time to the nearest maternity care provider and population‑to‑provider ratio in determining scores. The changes are intended to better reflect access to maternity care services and provider availability in underserved areas.
The revised criteria may also better align with federal workforce recruitment programs that rely on shortage designations, including National Health Service Corps loan repayment opportunities. HRSA estimates some communities may receive lower designation scores under the updated approach.
The changes may affect rural hospitals that provide obstetric services or have recently reduced obstetric care, as well as organizations participating in federal maternity workforce programs. The MHA will monitor implementation and share Michigan‑specific information as it becomes available.
Members with questions may contact Caroline Stoner at the MHA Center of Rural Excellence.