Oklahoma Senate Bill SB154

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Maternal mortality; requiring certain reporting and documentation on death certificate under certain circumstances. Effective date.

Impact

The bill's impact extends to the obligations of healthcare professionals in reporting maternal mortality data, fostering greater accountability and attention to maternal health issues in the state. The State Department of Health is tasked with maintaining comprehensive data related to maternal deaths, categorized by county and race, which will be publicly available on their website. This initiative aims to enhance awareness and transparency regarding maternal health outcomes in Oklahoma, potentially influencing policy and healthcare practices.

Summary

Senate Bill 154 aims to address maternal mortality in Oklahoma by implementing a new reporting framework for healthcare providers. The legislation requires that specific information be documented on death certificates in cases where a woman's death is related to or aggravated by pregnancy, whether it occurs during pregnancy or within forty-two days following the end of pregnancy. The bill defines key terms associated with maternal mortality and establishes a clear reporting protocol for physicians and authorized individuals to follow when such cases arise.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns over the accuracy and comprehensiveness of maternal death reporting. Opponents of the bill may argue that requiring additional documentation could lead to administrative burdens on physicians and healthcare facilities, while proponents emphasize the necessity of accurate data to inform policy changes and improve maternal health outcomes. Furthermore, there could be debates regarding the effectiveness of existing protocols and whether this new reporting requirement sufficiently addresses the complexities surrounding maternal mortality.