(a) It is the legislative intent to effect a program in this state of:
(1) Perinatal care in order to reduce infant mortality and handicapping conditions;
(2) Administering such policy by supporting quality perinatal care at the most appropriate level in the closest proximity to the patients’ residences and based on the levels of care concept of regionalization; and
(3) Encouraging the closest cooperation between various state and local agencies and private health care services in providing high quality, low cost prevention oriented perinatal care, including optional educational programs.
(b) For the purposes of this chapter, the word “perinatal” shall include that period from conception to one year post delivery.