Bridging the Policy-practice Gap: Reducing the Burden of Necrotizing Enterocolitis Through Advocacy

The policy landscape influences both the delivery of health care and patient outcomes. Governmental funding priorities, legislation and regulation impact aspects of neonatal intensive care, which subsequently affect rates of NEC. We review state policies, including Medicaid coverage of pasteurized human donor milk and pending federal legislation such as the reintroduction of the 2019 Access to Donor Milk Act, which aim to reduce disparities in access. We also review federal appropriations, regulations and other measures, which may directly or indirectly, influence NEC rates. Together, these measures demonstrate how neonatologists can foster a policy environment that mitigates NEC through advocacy.