Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

Georgia House Bill HB46

Introduced

1/14/25

Caption

Public Health, Department of; Maternal Mortality Review Committee; provide composition

Impact

The legislation impacts state laws by mandating the formation of a multidisciplinary committee that will consist of experts from various fields related to healthcare, including mental health. This committee will have the authority to review medical records and other relevant data, ensuring that maternal mortality cases are thoroughly investigated. Moreover, the confidentiality of information gathered during these reviews is a critical component of this bill, as it aims to protect sensitive data, complying with both state and federal privacy laws. The bill also ensures that any findings from the committee will be reported to the General Assembly, facilitating informed policymaking and public awareness.

Summary

House Bill 46 seeks to address the alarming rates of maternal mortality in Georgia, which currently ranks fiftieth among the states in maternal deaths. The bill establishes a Maternal Mortality Review Committee under the Department of Public Health, aiming to investigate the causes of maternal deaths and develop strategies to prevent them. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance public health measures and tackle the serious public health concern presented by maternal mortality in the state. The bill emphasizes the need for systematic reviews of maternal deaths and underscores the necessity to develop actionable recommendations for improvement.

Contention

While the bill is largely seen as a necessary step toward addressing maternal health issues, it may face scrutiny over the implementation of its provisions and the confidentiality aspects involved in the review processes. Some may argue that the bill does not go far enough in promoting transparency, particularly in how information from maternal deaths is handled. Furthermore, discussions could arise around the allocation of resources to support the committee’s work and whether the necessary expert representation can be achieved to ensure comprehensive and effective investigations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

GA HB1499

Public Health, Department of; grant program to prevent maternal mortality by managing risk factors, conditions, and circumstances; provide

GA HB797

Public Health, Department of; Low THC Oil Patient Registry; revise provisions

GA SB23

O.C.G.A.; various titles; revise a committee name; relating to inactive boards, panels, authorities, centers, commissions, committees, councils, task forces, and other such bodies; provisions; repeal

GA HB1037

Georgia Commission on Maternal and Infant Health; create

GA HB1215

Georgia Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act; enact

GA HB1302

Medical assistance; mandatory maternal mental health screening for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders for Medicaid recipients; provide

GA HR1059

Black maternal health statistics; recognize

GA SB296

Department of Public Health; appointment of a state surgeon general; provide

GA SR489

Black Maternal Health Statistics; recognize

GA HB463

Sexual Offender Registration Review Board; revise name and composition

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