Bill Caption

Relating to the confidentiality and reporting of certain information on maternal mortality to the Department of State Health Services and to a work group establishing a maternal mortality and morbidity data registry. 

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

HB 136 would allow a member of the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee to be reimbursed for travel or other expenses incurred by conducting the business of the review committee. HB 136 would expand the information reported to the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity data registry to include pregnancy-associated death, making this information confidential. 

HB 136 would require the Department of State Health to allow voluntary and confidential reporting to the department of pregnancy-associated deaths and pregnancy-related deaths by healthcare professionals, facilities, and persons who complete the medical or death certification. The department would facilitate this reporting by posting on their website information of the person to whom a report may be submitted; and conduct outreach to local health organization on the availability of the review committee. 

HB 136 would require the department to establish a work group to provide advice and consultation services to the department. The department would also be required to assess and prepare a report  and recommendations on the establishment of a secure maternal mortality and morbidity registry to record submitted information. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

HB 136 expands the role of the Maternal Morbidity Task Force to create a data registry to record voluntary and required submitted information. The bill would also reimburse the committee members travel and related expenses. This growth of government and related expenses would increase taxpayer spending in an area that has not been without controversy and is of dubious effectiveness.

Texas Action opposes HB 136 which is a net growth of government.