CARSON CITY, Nev., On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, health care leaders and state lawmakers convened to tackle a growing concern in Nevada’s maternal and infant health outcomes: the structure and distribution of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) across the Silver State. A leading maternal‑fetal medicine specialist warned legislators that Nevada’s “more‑the‑merrier” approach to NICU expansion may actually contribute to uneven care and stunted collaboration between providers.
Expert Testimony Highlights Fragmented NICU Network
At a meeting of the state legislature’s interim health committee, Dr. Brian Iriye, managing physician at the High Risk Pregnancy Center in Las Vegas and former president of the national Society of Maternal‑Fetal Medicine, presented data and professional observations about the state of neonatal care in Nevada. He noted that, despite having a relatively high number of NICUs for Nevada’s population size, outcomes for mothers and newborns, especially those with high‑risk pregnancies, remain troubling.
Dr. Iriye emphasized that a fragmented network of NICUs without standardized collaboration can lead to inconsistencies in care, potentially jeopardizing the health of vulnerable infants. He advocated for a more coordinated statewide strategy that would align resources, improve referral pathways, and ensure that high‑risk deliveries are managed in facilities with the most appropriate expertise and capacity.
Although Nevada’s perinatal mortality and complication rates are influenced by many factors, including maternal age, access to prenatal care, and socioeconomic conditions, the testimony underscored that improved cooperation across hospitals and care systems could help bridge gaps. National perinatal data indicate that neonatal and infant outcomes vary markedly with maternal age and underlying health conditions, reinforcing the need for targeted care systems.
Context: Nevada’s Health Care System Under Increasing Strain
Nevada has faced ongoing challenges in health care access and outcomes. Previous reporting and community advocacy have identified barriers such as a shortage of primary care providers, rural hospital closures, and disparities in maternal and child health outcomes across urban and rural counties. Lawmakers and public health advocates have called for strengthened networks that can support high‑risk patients more effectively.
Dr. Iriye’s remarks also came amid debate over other legislative health proposals. For example, past efforts such as Senate Bill 182, which proposed mandated nurse‑to‑patient staffing ratios in Nevada hospitals, reflect broader concerns about quality and workforce pressures in clinical settings, especially those serving maternal and neonatal patients. That bill, at least at one point, had been poised to become law and would align Nevada with only a handful of states with such mandates.
Lawmakers Seek Solutions Amid Competing Priorities
Committee members asked questions about how to improve information sharing between facilities and whether regional centers of excellence could be designated for the most vulnerable newborns and mothers. Some lawmakers voiced support for establishing stronger referral networks and telemedicine connections between urban centers such as Las Vegas and Reno and surrounding rural communities.
At the same time, fiscal concerns were raised. Nevada’s budget, shaped by competing priorities from education and infrastructure to public safety, leaves lawmakers weighing investments in specialized health care systems against other pressing needs. Lawmakers will continue to assess potential policy options as the 2026 legislative session progresses.
Public Health Implications for Nevada Families
The policy discussion around perinatal care touches directly on families across Nevada. Enhanced coordination of NICU resources could translate into better outcomes for infants born preterm, with congenital conditions, or with immediate medical needs, groups that disproportionately benefit from high‑quality, specialized neonatal care.
Public health advocates point out that improvements in NICU systems also intersect with broader maternal health priorities, including access to prenatal care, postpartum support, and community‑based services that help families thrive beyond the hospital setting.
Looking Ahead
As state legislators continue their interim hearings and prepare for the 2026 legislative session, the dialogue around NICU systems and neonatal outcomes is expected to inform potential health policy reforms. With testimony from medical experts and community stakeholders now on record, Nevada’s lawmakers face the challenge of crafting solutions that balance fiscal realities with the health needs of mothers and their newborns.
This development represents a pivotal moment in Nevada’s effort to improve maternal and infant health, with potential long‑term impacts on health care delivery, hospital practices, and statewide health outcomes.