Kansas House Bill HB2716

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/24
• Refer: 2/6/24
• Failed: 4/30/24

Caption

Expanding the duties of the secretary of health and environment when investigating maternal deaths to include promoting continuity of care, helping develop performance measures and establishing an external review committee to study cases and make recommendations to prevent maternal deaths.

Impact

This bill will have a considerable impact on state laws related to maternal health, focusing on creating a framework for comprehensive reviews of maternal deaths. It sets forth provisions that grant the secretary access to critical medical records and allows for the establishment of a community review committee composed of diverse stakeholders. This approach aims to address racial, ethnic, and geographical disparities that lead to different maternal health outcomes. Additionally, the bill emphasizes confidentiality, preventing collected data from being introduced as evidence in court while also promoting public health research.

Summary

House Bill 2716, proposed in the Kansas Legislature, seeks to expand the duties of the Secretary of Health and Environment specifically concerning maternal deaths. The bill mandates the secretary's involvement in not just the investigation of maternal deaths but also in promoting continuity of care during and after pregnancy. This significant addition aims to ensure that healthcare providers are aligned in their efforts to support maternal health more effectively and prevent potential maternal fatalities through enhanced cooperation and data sharing.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits, there are notable points of contention surrounding HB2716. Critics may scrutinize the balance between confidentiality and the necessary transparency in healthcare outcomes. Some healthcare professionals might also express concerns over the additional responsibilities placed on the Secretary of Health and Environment, arguing that without adequate support and funding, these expanded responsibilities might not be sustainable. Furthermore, there may be debates on how effectively the proposed performance measures can be designed and implemented, particularly in addressing the disparities in maternal health outcomes.