MD
Maryland House Bill HB48

Maryland 2022 Regular Session

Maryland House Bill HB48 Compare Versions

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1- LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 80
21
3-– 1 –
4-Chapter 80
5-(House Bill 48)
62
7-AN ACT concerning
3+EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MAT TER ADDED TO EXISTIN G LAW.
4+ [Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
5+ Underlining indicates amendments to bill.
6+ Strike out indicates matter stricken from the bill by amendment or deleted from the law by
7+amendment.
8+ *hb0048*
89
9-Public Health – Maryland Suicide Fatality Review Committee
10+HOUSE BILL 48
11+J1 2lr1289
12+HB 209/21 – HGO (PRE–FILED) CF SB 94
13+By: Delegate Belcastro
14+Requested: November 1, 2021
15+Introduced and read first time: January 12, 2022
16+Assigned to: Health and Government Operations
17+Committee Report: Favorable
18+House action: Adopted
19+Read second time: February 25, 2022
1020
11-FOR the purpose of establishing the Maryland Suicide Fatality Review Committee;
12-providing that a person has immunity from liability for certain actions related to the
13-Committee; providing for the sharing of information with and confidentiality of
14-information obtained by the Committee; exempting Committee meetings from the
15-Open Meetings Act; prohibiting certain persons from testifying in any proceeding
16-about details of a Committee meeting; and generally relating to the Maryland
17-Suicide Fatality Review Committee.
21+CHAPTER ______
1822
19-BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments,
20- Article – Courts and Judicial Proceedings
21-Section 5–637
22- Annotated Code of Maryland
23- (2020 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement)
23+AN ACT concerning 1
2424
25-BY adding to
26- Article – Health – General
27-Section 5–1001 through 5–1009 to be under the new subtitle “Subtitle 10. Maryland
28-Suicide Fatality Review Committee”
29- Annotated Code of Maryland
30- (2019 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement)
25+Public Health – Maryland Suicide Fatality Review Committee 2
3126
32-BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments,
33- Article – Health Occupations
34-Section 1–401(a)(1) and (3), (b), and (c)
35- Annotated Code of Maryland
36- (2021 Replacement Volume)
27+FOR the purpose of establishing the Maryland Suicide Fatality Review Committee; 3
28+providing that a person has immunity from liability for certain actions related to the 4
29+Committee; providing for the sharing of information with and confidentiality of 5
30+information obtained by the Committee; exempting Committee meetings from the 6
31+Open Meetings Act; prohibiting certain persons from testifying in any proceeding 7
32+about details of a Committee meeting; and generally relating to the Maryland 8
33+Suicide Fatality Review Committee. 9
3734
38-Preamble
35+BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 10
36+ Article – Courts and Judicial Proceedings 11
37+Section 5–637 12
38+ Annotated Code of Maryland 13
39+ (2020 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 14
3940
40- WHEREAS, The Maryland Governor’s Commission on Suicide Prevention declared
41-that suicide deaths are a serious public health issue and have a tremendous family and
42-societal impact; and
41+BY adding to 15
42+ Article – Health – General 16
43+Section 5–1001 through 5–1009 to be under the new subtitle “Subtitle 10. Maryland 17
44+Suicide Fatality Review Committee” 18
45+ Annotated Code of Maryland 19
46+ (2019 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 20
4347
44- WHEREAS, Veterans account for 18% of all suicide deaths in this State, as reported
45-by the National Violent Death Reporting System in 2013–2014; and
48+BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 21 2 HOUSE BILL 48
4649
47- WHEREAS, The number of recorded suicide deaths in Maryland increased from 474
48-to 650 between 2000 and 2018, representing a 37% increase; and
49- Ch. 80 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
5050
51-– 2 –
52- WHEREAS, Across all ages, one–half of all persons who die by suicide in this State
53-experienced mental health problems; and
51+ Article – Health Occupations 1
52+Section 1–401(a)(1) and (3), (b), and (c) 2
53+ Annotated Code of Maryland 3
54+ (2021 Replacement Volume) 4
5455
55- WHEREAS, Every year in this State, an average of 530 persons die by suicide; and
56+Preamble 5
5657
57- WHEREAS, More persons die by suicide in this State than die by homicide; and
58+ WHEREAS, The Maryland Governor’s Commission on Suicide Prevention declared 6
59+that suicide deaths are a serious public health issue and have a tremendous family and 7
60+societal impact; and 8
5861
59- WHEREAS, Suicide deaths are significantly underestimated and inadequately
60-documented, thus preventing efforts to identify and reduce or eliminate such deaths; and
62+ WHEREAS, Veterans account for 18% of all suicide deaths in this State, as reported 9
63+by the National Violent Death Reporting System in 2013–2014; and 10
6164
62- WHEREAS, No process exists in this State for the confidential identification,
63-investigation, or dissemination of findings regarding suicide deaths; and
65+ WHEREAS, The number of recorded suicide deaths in Maryland increased from 474 11
66+to 650 between 2000 and 2018, representing a 37% increase; and 12
6467
65- WHEREAS, Goal number one in the Maryland Center for Preventive Health
66-Services and the Partnership for a Safer Maryland’s Strategic Plan is to expand and refine
67-the current surveillance efforts to assess injury risks, inform intervention development,
68-and evaluate the impacts of injury prevention initiatives; and
68+ WHEREAS, Across all ages, one–half of all persons who die by suicide in this State 13
69+experienced mental health problems; and 14
6970
70- WHEREAS, The U.S. National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, as issued by the U.S.
71-Office of the Surgeon General, recommends that suicide deaths be investigated through
72-state–based suicide mortality reviews to institute the systemic changes needed to decrease
73-suicide mortality; and
71+ WHEREAS, Every year in this State, an average of 530 persons die by suicide; and 15
7472
75- WHEREAS, There is a need to establish a statewide program to review suicide
76-deaths among persons in this State and to develop strategies for the prevention of suicide
77-deaths in this State; now, therefore,
73+ WHEREAS, More persons die by suicide in this State than die by homicide; and 16
7874
79- SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND,
80-That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:
75+ WHEREAS, Suicide deaths are significantly underestimated and inadequately 17
76+documented, thus preventing efforts to identify and reduce or eliminate such deaths; and 18
8177
82-Article – Courts and Judicial Proceedings
78+ WHEREAS, No process exists in this State for the confidential identification, 19
79+investigation, or dissemination of findings regarding suicide deaths; and 20
8380
84-5–637.
81+ WHEREAS, Goal number one in the Maryland Center for Preventive Health 21
82+Services and the Partnership for a Safer Maryland’s Strategic Plan is to expand and refine 22
83+the current surveillance efforts to assess injury risks, inform intervention development, 23
84+and evaluate the impacts of injury prevention initiatives; and 24
8585
86- (a) In this section, “medical review committee” has the meaning stated in § 1–401
87-of the Health Occupations Article.
86+ WHEREAS, The U.S. National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, as issued by the U.S. 25
87+Office of the Surgeon General, recommends that suicide deaths be investigated through 26
88+state–based suicide mortality reviews to institute the systemic changes needed to decrease 27
89+suicide mortality; and 28
8890
89- (b) A person who acts in good faith and within the scope of the jurisdiction of a
90-medical review committee is not civilly liable for any action as a member of the medical
91-review committee or for giving information to, participating in, or contributing to the
92-function of the medical review committee.
91+ WHEREAS, There is a need to establish a statewide program to review suicide 29
92+deaths among persons in this State and to develop strategies for the prevention of suicide 30
93+deaths in this State; now, therefore, 31
9394
94-Article – Health – General
95+ SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 32
96+That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: 33
97+ HOUSE BILL 48 3
9598
96-SUBTITLE 10. MARYLAND SUICIDE FATALITY REVIEW COMMITTEE.
97- LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 80
9899
99-– 3 –
100-5–1001.
100+Article – Courts and Judicial Proceedings 1
101101
102- IN THIS SUBTITLE, “STATE TEAM” MEANS THE MARYLAND SUICIDE FATALITY
103-REVIEW COMMITTEE.
102+5–637. 2
104103
105-5–1002.
104+ (a) In this section, “medical review committee” has the meaning stated in § 1–401 3
105+of the Health Occupations Article. 4
106106
107- (A) THERE IS A MARYLAND SUICIDE FATALITY REVIEW COMMITTEE, ALSO
108-REFERRED TO AS THE STATE TEAM.
107+ (b) A person who acts in good faith and within the scope of the jurisdiction of a 5
108+medical review committee is not civilly liable for any action as a member of the medical 6
109+review committee or for giving information to, participating in, or contributing to the 7
110+function of the medical review committee. 8
109111
110- (B) THE PURPOSE OF THE STATE TEAM IS TO IDEN TIFY AND ADDRESS THE
111-FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO SUICIDE DEATHS AN D FACILITATE SYSTEM CHANGES IN
112-THE STATE TO PREVENT SUIC IDE DEATHS.
112+Article – Health – General 9
113113
114- (C) (1) THE STATE TEAM SHALL INCL UDE THE FOLLOWING ME MBERS,
115-WHO SHALL SERVE ON A N EX OFFICIO BAS IS:
114+SUBTITLE 10. MARYLAND SUICIDE FATALITY REVIEW COMMITTEE. 10
116115
117- (I) THE SECRETARY, OR THE SECRETARY’S DESIGNEE;
116+5–1001. 11
118117
119- (II) THE DEPUTY SECRETARY OF THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
120-ADMINISTRATION , OR THE DEPUTY SECRETARY’S DESIGNEE; AND
118+ IN THIS SUBTITLE, “STATE TEAM” MEANS THE MARYLAND SUICIDE FATALITY 12
119+REVIEW COMMITTEE. 13
121120
122- (III) THE CHAIR OF THE GOVERNOR’S COMMISSION ON SUICIDE
123-PREVENTION.
121+5–1002. 14
124122
125- (2) THE SECRETARY MAY INCLUDE IN THE STATE TEAM THE CHIEF
126-MEDICAL EXAMINER, OR THE CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER’S DESIGNEE.
123+ (A) THERE IS A MARYLAND SUICIDE FATALITY REVIEW COMMITTEE, ALSO 15
124+REFERRED TO AS THE STATE TEAM. 16
127125
128- (3) THE SECRETARY MAY INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING MEMBER S IN
129-THE STATE TEAM, AS DESIGNATED BY THE SECRETARY:
126+ (B) THE PURPOSE OF THE STATE TEAM IS TO IDEN TIFY AND ADDRESS THE 17
127+FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO SUICIDE DEATHS AN D FACILITATE SYSTEM CHANGES IN 18
128+THE STATE TO PREVENT SUICIDE DEATHS . 19
130129
131- (I) A SUICIDOLOGIST OR AN ACADEMIC WITH A SPECIALTY IN
132-THE STUDY AND PREVEN TION OF SUICIDE;
130+ (C) (1) THE STATE TEAM SHALL INCL UDE THE FOLLOWING ME MBERS, 20
131+WHO SHALL SERVE ON A N EX OFFICIO BASIS: 21
133132
134- (II) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDER S;
133+ (I) THE SECRETARY, OR THE SECRETARY’S DESIGNEE; 22
135134
136- (III) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF AN ORGANIZATION HAVI NG
137-EXPERTISE IN SUICIDE PREVENTION ;
135+ (II) THE DEPUTY SECRETARY OF THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 23
136+ADMINISTRATION , OR THE DEPUTY SECRETARY’S DESIGNEE; AND 24
138137
139- (IV) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF AN ORGANIZATION HAVI NG
140-EXPERTISE IN THE TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF SUBSTA NCE ABUSE;
138+ (III) THE CHAIR OF THE GOVERNOR’S COMMISSION ON SUICIDE 25
139+PREVENTION. 26
141140
142- (V) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF AN ORGANIZATION THAT
143-ADVOCATES FOR INDIVI DUALS WITH MENTAL IL LNESS; Ch. 80 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
141+ (2) THE SECRETARY MAY INCLUDE IN THE STATE TEAM THE CHIEF 27
142+MEDICAL EXAMINER, OR THE CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER’S DESIGNEE. 28
144143
145-– 4 –
144+ (3) THE SECRETARY MAY INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS IN 29 4 HOUSE BILL 48
146145
147- (VI) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OR
148-CORRECTIONAL SERVICE S; AND
149146
150- (VII) ANY ADDITIONAL MEM BERS DETERMINED TO B E
151-NECESSARY BY THE SECRETARY TO CARRY OU T THE PURPOSE OF THI S SUBTITLE,
152-WHICH MAY INCLUDE RE PRESENTATIVES FROM R ELEVANT DISCIPLINES AND
153-RELEVANT COMMUNITY –BASED ORGANIZATIONS .
147+THE STATE TEAM, AS DESIGNATED BY THE SECRETARY: 1
154148
155- (D) THE STATE TEAM SHALL ELEC T THE CHAIR OF THE STATE TEAM BY A
156-MAJORITY VOTE .
149+ (I) A SUICIDOLOGIST OR AN ACADEMIC WITH A SPEC IALTY IN 2
150+THE STUDY AND PREVEN TION OF SUICIDE; 3
157151
158- (E) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROV IDE STAFF FOR THE STATE TEAM.
152+ (II) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDER S; 4
159153
160- (F) ALL MEMBERS OF THE STATE TEAM SHALL BE V OTING MEMBERS .
154+ (III) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF AN ORGANIZATION HAVING 5
155+EXPERTISE IN SUICIDE PREVENTION ; 6
161156
162- (G) (1) EACH MEMBER DESIGNATE D UNDER SUBSECTION (C)(3) OF THIS
163-SECTION SHALL SERVE ON THE STATE TEAM FOR A TERM OF 3 YEARS AND MAY BE
164-REAPPOINTED .
157+ (IV) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF AN ORGANIZATION HAVI NG 7
158+EXPERTISE IN THE TRE ATMENT AND PREVENTIO N OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE ; 8
165159
166- (2) AT THE END OF A TERM , A MEMBER DESIGNATED UNDER
167-SUBSECTION (C)(3) OF THIS SECTION CONT INUES TO SERVE UNTIL A SUCCESSOR IS
168-APPOINTED.
160+ (V) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF AN ORGANIZATION THAT 9
161+ADVOCATES FOR INDIVI DUALS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS; 10
169162
170- (3) ALL VACANCIES SHAL L BE FILLED BY THE D ESIGNATING
171-AUTHORITY IN ACCORDA NCE WITH THIS SECTIO N.
163+ (VI) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OR 11
164+CORRECTIONAL SERVICE S; AND 12
172165
173- (H) A MEMBER OF THE STATE TEAM:
166+ (VII) ANY ADDITIONAL MEMBER S DETERMINED TO BE 13
167+NECESSARY BY THE SECRETARY TO CARRY OU T THE PURPOSE OF THI S SUBTITLE, 14
168+WHICH MAY INCLUDE RE PRESENTATIVES FROM R ELEVANT DISCIPLINES AND 15
169+RELEVANT COMMUNITY –BASED ORGANIZATIONS . 16
174170
175- (1) MAY NOT RECEIVE COMPE NSATION FOR SERVICE ON THE STATE
176-TEAM; BUT
171+ (D) THE STATE TEAM SHALL ELEC T THE CHAIR OF THE STATE TEAM BY A 17
172+MAJORITY VOTE . 18
177173
178- (2) IS ENTITLED TO REIMBU RSEMENT FOR EXPENSES UNDER THE
179-STANDARD STATE TRAVEL REGULATIONS, AS PROVIDED IN THE STATE BUDGET .
174+ (E) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROV IDE STAFF FOR THE STATE TEAM. 19
180175
181- (I) TO THE EXTENT THAT FU NDS ARE AVAILABLE , THE STATE TEAM MAY
182-HIRE STAFF OR CONSUL TANTS TO ASSIST THE STATE TEAM IN CARRYIN G OUT ITS
183-DUTIES.
176+ (F) ALL MEMBERS OF THE STATE TEAM SHALL BE V OTING MEMBERS. 20
184177
185-5–1003.
178+ (G) (1) EACH MEMBER DESIGNATE D UNDER SUBSECTION (C)(3) OF THIS 21
179+SECTION SHALL SERVE ON THE STATE TEAM FOR A TERM OF 3 YEARS AND MAY BE 22
180+REAPPOINTED . 23
186181
187- (A) THE STATE TEAM SHALL :
182+ (2) AT THE END OF A TERM , A MEMBER DESIGNATED UNDER 24
183+SUBSECTION (C)(3) OF THIS SECTION CONT INUES TO SERVE UNTIL A SUC CESSOR IS 25
184+APPOINTED. 26
188185
189- (1) MEET AT LEAST Q UARTERLY TO REVIEW S UICIDE DEATHS , LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 80
186+ (3) ALL VACANCIES SHALL B E FILLED BY THE DESI GNATING 27
187+AUTHORITY IN ACCORDA NCE WITH THIS SECTIO N. 28
190188
191-– 5 –
192-CONSISTENT WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SUBTITLE;
189+ (H) A MEMBER OF THE STATE TEAM: 29
190+ HOUSE BILL 48 5
193191
194- (2) MAKE DETERMINATIONS R EGARDING:
195192
196- (I) THE FOLLOWING ISSUES RELATED TO INDIVIDUA LS AT RISK
197-FOR SUICIDE:
193+ (1) MAY NOT RECEIVE COMPE NSATION FOR SERVICE ON THE STATE 1
194+TEAM; BUT 2
198195
199- 1. TRENDS;
196+ (2) IS ENTITLED TO REIMBURS EMENT FOR EXPENSES U NDER THE 3
197+STANDARD STATE TRAVEL REGULATIONS, AS PROVIDED IN THE STATE BUDGET . 4
200198
201- 2. RISK FACTORS;
199+ (I) TO THE EXTENT THAT FU NDS ARE AVAILABLE , THE STATE TEAM MAY 5
200+HIRE STAFF OR CONSUL TANTS TO ASSIST THE STATE TEAM IN CARRYIN G OUT ITS 6
201+DUTIES. 7
202202
203- 3. CURRENT BEST PRACTICES IN SUICIDE PREVENTION ;
203+5–1003. 8
204204
205- 4. LAPSES IN SYSTEMIC RE SPONSES; AND
205+ (A) THE STATE TEAM SHALL : 9
206206
207- 5. BARRIERS TO SAFETY AN D WELL–BEING; AND
207+ (1) MEET AT LEAST QUARTER LY TO REVIEW SUICIDE DEATHS, 10
208+CONSISTENT WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SUBTITLE; 11
208209
209- (II) STRATEGIES FOR THE PR EVENTION OF SUICIDE DEATHS;
210+ (2) MAKE DETERMINATIONS R EGARDING: 12
210211
211- (3) REPORT AT LEAST ANNUA LLY TO THE GOVERNOR AND , IN
212-ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, THE GENERAL
213-ASSEMBLY ON:
212+ (I) THE FOLLOWING ISSUES RELATED TO INDIVIDUA LS AT RISK 13
213+FOR SUICIDE: 14
214214
215- (I) THE STATE TEAM’S ACTIVITIES; AND
215+ 1. TRENDS; 15
216216
217- (II) THE STATE TEAM’S RECOMMENDATIONS ON :
217+ 2. RISK FACTORS; 16
218218
219- 1. CHANGING ANY LAW OR P OLICY IN A MANNER TH AT
220-WOULD PROMOTE THE PR EVENTION OF SUICIDE DEATHS; AND
219+ 3. CURRENT BEST PRACTICE S IN SUICIDE PREVENT ION; 17
221220
222- 2. IMPROVING THE AVAILAB ILITY OF SOURCES OF
223-INFORMATION RELATING TO THE INVESTIGATION OF REPORTED SUICIDE
224-FATALITIES;
221+ 4. LAPSES IN SYSTEMIC RE SPONSES; AND 18
225222
226- (4) UNDERTAKE ANNUAL STAT ISTICAL STUDIES OF :
223+ 5. BARRIERS TO SAFETY AN D WELL–BEING; AND 19
227224
228- (I) THE INCIDENTS AND CAU SES OF SUICIDE MORTA LITY IN
229-THE STATE; AND
225+ (II) STRATEGIES FOR THE PR EVENTION OF SUICIDE DEATHS; 20
230226
231- (II) TRENDS AND PATTERNS OF SUICIDE DEATHS IN TH E STATE;
232-AND
227+ (3) REPORT AT LEAST ANNUA LLY TO THE GOVERNOR AND , IN 21
228+ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, THE GENERAL 22
229+ASSEMBLY ON: 23
233230
234- (5) DISSEMINATE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS BASED ON THE
235-STUDIES CONDUCTED UN DER ITEM (4) OF THIS SUBSECTION T O POLICYMAKERS , Ch. 80 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
231+ (I) THE STATE TEAM’S ACTIVITIES; AND 24
236232
237-– 6 –
238-HEALTH CARE PROVIDER S, HEALTH CARE FACILITI ES, AND THE PUBLIC .
233+ (II) THE STATE TEAM’S RECOMMENDATIONS ON : 25
239234
240- (B) THE STATE TEAM MAY PERIOD ICALLY MAKE AVAILABL E, IN A GENERAL
241-MANNER THAT DOES NOT REVEAL CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION ABOUT IN DIVIDUAL
242-CASES, ONLY THE AGGREGATE F INDINGS OF THE STATE TEAM’S REVIEWS AND THEIR
243-RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PREVENTIVE ACTIONS .
235+ 1. CHANGING ANY LAW OR P OLICY IN A MANNER THAT 26
236+WOULD PROMOTE THE PR EVENTION OF SUICIDE DEATHS; AND 27
237+ 6 HOUSE BILL 48
244238
245-5–1004.
246239
247- A PERSON SHALL HAVE THE IMMUNITY FROM LIABIL ITY UNDER § 5–637 OF
248-THE COURTS ARTICLE FOR ANY ACTIO N AS A MEMBER OF THE STATE TEAM OR FOR
249-GIVING INFORMATION T O, PARTICIPATING IN , OR CONTRIBUTING TO T HE FUNCTION
250-OF THE STATE TEAM.
240+ 2. IMPROVING THE AVAILAB ILITY OF SOURCES OF 1
241+INFORMATION RELATING TO THE INVESTIGATION OF REPORTED SUICIDE 2
242+FATALITIES; 3
251243
252-5–1005.
244+ (4) UNDERTAKE ANNUAL STAT ISTICAL STUDIES OF : 4
253245
254- (A) THE STATE TEAM IS A PUBLIC HEALTH A UTHORITY, AS DEFINED IN 45
255-C.F.R. § 164.501, CONDUCTING PUBLIC HE ALTH ACTIVITIES IN A CCORDANCE WITH
256-THE FEDERAL HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT.
246+ (I) THE INCIDENTS AND CAUSES OF SUICIDE MORTALITY IN 5
247+THE STATE; AND 6
257248
258- (B) ON REQUEST OF THE CHA IR OF THE STATE TEAM AND AS NEC ESSARY TO
259-CARRY OUT THE STATE TEAM’S PURPOSE AND DUTIES , A HEALTH CARE PROVID ER
260-OR A STATE OR LOCAL GOVERN MENT AGENCY IMMEDIAT ELY SHALL PROVIDE TO
261-THE STATE TEAM ANY RECORD S OF THE HEALTH CARE PROVIDER OR STATE OR
262-LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGE NCY NECESSARY TO COM PLETE THE REVIE W OF A
263-SPECIFIC FATALITY , INCLUDING:
249+ (II) TRENDS AND PATTERNS O F SUICIDE DEATHS IN THE STATE; 7
250+AND 8
264251
265- (1) HOSPITAL RECORDS ;
252+ (5) DISSEMINATE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS BASED ON THE 9
253+STUDIES CONDUCTED UN DER ITEM (4) OF THIS SUBSECTION T O POLICYMAKERS , 10
254+HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS , HEALTH CARE FACILITI ES, AND THE PUBLIC . 11
266255
267- (2) OUTPATIENT CLINIC , HEALTH CARE PROVIDER , AND
268-LABORATORY RECORDS ;
256+ (B) THE STATE TEAM MAY PERIOD ICALLY MAKE AVAILABL E, IN A GENERAL 12
257+MANNER THAT DOES NOT REVEAL CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION ABOUT IN DIVIDUAL 13
258+CASES, ONLY THE AGGREGATE F INDINGS OF THE STATE TEAM’S REVIEWS AND THEIR 14
259+RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PREVENTIVE ACTIONS . 15
269260
270- (3) POLICE INVESTIGATION DATA;
261+5–1004. 16
271262
272- (4) MEDICAL EXAMINER INVE STIGATIVE DATA;
263+ A PERSON SHALL HAVE TH E IMMUNITY FROM LIAB ILITY UNDER § 5–637 OF 17
264+THE COURTS ARTICLE FOR ANY ACTIO N AS A MEMBER OF THE STATE TEAM OR FOR 18
265+GIVING INFORMATION T O, PARTICIPATING IN , OR CONTRIB UTING TO THE FUNCTIO N 19
266+OF THE STATE TEAM. 20
273267
274- (5) CAUSE–OF–DEATH INFORMATION IN VITAL RECORDS;
268+5–1005. 21
275269
276- (6) SOCIAL SERVICES RECOR DS; AND
270+ (A) THE STATE TEAM IS A PUBLI C HEALTH AUTHORITY , AS DEFINED IN 45 22
271+C.F.R. § 164.501, CONDUCTING PUBLIC HE ALTH ACTIVITIES IN A CCORDANCE WITH 23
272+THE FEDERAL HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT. 24
277273
278- (7) OTHER RECORDS FROM STATE OFFICES , AGENCIES, AND
279-DEPARTMENTS .
274+ (B) ON REQUEST OF THE CHA IR OF THE STATE TEAM AND AS NEC ESSARY TO 25
275+CARRY OUT THE STATE TEAM’S PURPOSE AND DUTIES , A HEALTH CARE PROVID ER 26
276+OR A STATE OR LOCAL GOVERN MENT AGENCY IMMEDIAT ELY SHALL PROVIDE TO 27
277+THE STATE TEAM ANY RECORD S OF THE HEALTH CARE PROVIDER OR STATE OR 28
278+LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGE NCY NECESSARY TO COM PLETE THE REVIEW OF A 29
279+SPECIFIC FATALITY , INCLUDING: 30
280280
281- (C) THE STATE TEAM MAY REQUES T THAT A PERSON WITH DIRECT LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 80
281+ (1) HOSPITAL RECORDS ; 31
282282
283-– 7 –
284-KNOWLEDGE OF CIRCUMS TANCES SURROUNDING A FATALITY PROVIDE THE STATE
285-TEAM WITH INFORM ATION NECESSARY TO C OMPLETE THE REVIEW O F THE
286-PARTICULAR FATALITY , INCLUDING INFORMATIO N FROM:
283+ (2) OUTPATIENT CLINIC , HEALTH CARE PROVIDER , AND 32 HOUSE BILL 48 7
287284
288- (1) A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER OR STAFF INVOLVED IN THE CARE OF
289-THE DECEDENT ; AND
290285
291- (2) THE PERSON WHO FIRST RESPONDED TO A REPOR T CONCERNING
292-THE DECEDENT .
286+LABORATORY RECORDS ; 1
293287
294- (D) THE STATE TEAM:
288+ (3) POLICE INVESTIGATION DATA; 2
295289
296- (1) MAY SHARE INFORMATION WITH OTHER PUBLIC HE ALTH
297-AUTHORITIES OR THEIR DESIGNEES AS THE STATE TEAM DETERMINES NECESSARY
298-TO CARRY OUT THE PUR POSES OF THIS SUBTIT LE; AND
290+ (4) MEDICAL EXAMINER INVESTIGATI VE DATA; 3
299291
300- (2) SHALL COORDINATE WITH THE STATE’S CHILD FATALITY
301-REVIEW AND DRUG OVERDOSE FATALITY REVIEW TEAMS TO SHARE AND RECEIVE
302-INFORMATION RELEVANT TO THE STATE TEAM ’S FINDINGS AND TO EN SURE
303-EFFICIENCY IN THE WO RK OF THE TEAMS .
292+ (5) CAUSE–OF–DEATH INFORMATION IN VITAL RECORDS ; 4
304293
305- (E) (1) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION ,
306-ALL INFORMATION AND RECORDS ACQU IRED BY THE STATE TEAM IN THE EXE RCISE
307-OF ITS DUTIES:
294+ (6) SOCIAL SERVICES RECOR DS; AND 5
308295
309- (I) SHALL BE CONFIDENTIAL ;
296+ (7) OTHER RECORDS FROM STATE OFFICES , AGENCIES, AND 6
297+DEPARTMENTS . 7
310298
311- (II) SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE UNDER THE PUBLIC
312-INFORMATION ACT; AND
299+ (C) THE STATE TEAM MAY REQUES T THAT A PERSON WITH DIRECT 8
300+KNOWLEDGE OF CIRCUMSTANCES SURROU NDING A FATALITY PRO VIDE THE STATE 9
301+TEAM WITH INFORMATIO N NECESSARY TO COMPL ETE THE REVIEW OF TH E 10
302+PARTICULAR FATALITY , INCLUDING INFORMATIO N FROM: 11
313303
314- (III) MAY NOT BE SUBJECT TO DISCOVERY OR INTRODU CTION
315-INTO EVIDENCE IN ANY PROCEEDINGS .
304+ (1) A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER OR STAFF INVOLVED IN THE CARE OF 12
305+THE DECEDENT ; AND 13
316306
317- (2) INFORMATION MAY BE DI SCLOSED AS NECESSARY AND IN A
318-MANNER CONSISTENT WI TH THIS SUBTITLE TO CARRY OUT THE PURPOS ES OF THIS
319-SUBTITLE.
307+ (2) THE PERSON WHO FIRST RESPONDED TO A REPOR T CONCERNING 14
308+THE DECEDENT . 15
320309
321- (F) MENTAL HEALTH RECORDS ARE SUBJECT TO THE A DDITIONAL
322-LIMITATIONS UNDER § 4–307 OF THIS ARTICLE FOR DISCLOSURE OF A MEDICAL
323-RECORD DEVELOPED PRI MARILY IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROVISION O F MENTAL
324-HEALTH SERVICES .
310+ (D) THE STATE TEAM: 16
325311
326-5–1006.
327- Ch. 80 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
312+ (1) MAY SHARE INFORMATION WITH OTHER PUBLIC HE ALTH 17
313+AUTHORITIES OR THEIR DESIGNEES AS THE STATE TEAM DETERMINES NECESSARY 18
314+TO CARRY OUT THE PUR POSES OF THIS SUBTIT LE; AND 19
328315
329-– 8 –
330- (A) MEETINGS OF THE STATE TEAM SHALL BE C LOSED TO THE PUBLIC AND
331-ARE NOT SUBJECT TO T HE OPEN MEETINGS ACT.
316+ (2) SHALL COORDINATE WITH THE STATE’S CHILD FATALITY 20
317+REVIEW AND DRUG OVERDOSE FATALITY REVIEW TEAMS TO SHARE AND RECEIVE 21
318+INFORMATION RELEVANT TO THE STATE TEAM ’S FINDINGS AND TO EN SURE 22
319+EFFICIENCY IN THE WO RK OF THE TEAMS . 23
332320
333- (B) A MEMBER OF THE STATE TEAM OR ATT ENDEE OF A STATE TEAM
334-MEETING MAY NOT :
321+ (E) (1) EXCEPT AS PROVID ED IN PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION , 24
322+ALL INFORMATION AND RECORDS ACQUIRED BY THE STATE TEAM IN THE EXE RCISE 25
323+OF ITS DUTIES: 26
335324
336- (1) RELEASE TO THE PUBLIC OR THE NEWS MEDIA IN FORMATION
337-DISCUSSED AT MEETING S; OR
325+ (I) SHALL BE CONFIDENTIAL ; 27
338326
339- (2) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN § 5–1007 OF THIS SUBTITLE , TESTIFY IN
340-ANY PROCEEDING ABOUT DETAILS OF A STATE TEAM MEETING , INCLUDING ANY
341-INFORMATION PRESENTE D AT THE MEETING , OR ABOUT OPINIONS FO RMED BY THE
342-INDIVIDUAL BECAUSE O F THE MEETING.
327+ (II) SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE UNDER THE PUBLIC 28
328+INFORMATION ACT; AND 29
329+ 8 HOUSE BILL 48
343330
344- (C) EACH MEMBER OF THE STATE TEAM AND ANY AT TENDEE OF A MEETING
345-OF THE STATE TEAM SHALL SIGN A STATEMENT INDICATI NG AN UNDERSTANDING
346-OF AND ADHERENCE TO THE STATE TEAM’S CONFIDENTIALITY RE QUIREMENTS ,
347-INCLUDING ANY POTENT IAL CIVIL OR CRIMINA L CONSEQUENCES FOR A BREACH OF
348-CONFIDENTIALITY UNDE R THIS SECTION.
349331
350-5–1007.
332+ (III) MAY NOT BE SUBJECT TO DISCOVERY OR INTRODUCTION 1
333+INTO EVIDENCE IN ANY PROCEEDINGS . 2
351334
352- THIS SUBTITLE MAY NOT BE CONSTRUED TO PROH IBIT A PERSON FROM :
335+ (2) INFORMATION MAY BE DI SCLOSED AS NECESSARY AND IN A 3
336+MANNER CONSISTENT WI TH THIS SUBTITLE TO CARRY OUT THE PURPOS ES OF THIS 4
337+SUBTITLE. 5
353338
354- (1) TESTIFYING IN A CIVIL OR CRIMINAL ACTION A BOUT MATTERS
355-THAT OCCURRED IN A STATE TEAM MEETING IF THE TESTIMONY WILL B E BASED ON
356-THE PERSON’S INDEPENDENT KNOWLE DGE; OR
339+ (F) MENTAL HEALTH RECORDS ARE SUBJECT TO TH E ADDITIONAL 6
340+LIMITATIONS UNDER § 4–307 OF THIS ARTICLE FOR DISCLOSURE OF A MEDI CAL 7
341+RECORD DEVELOPED PRI MARILY IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROVISION O F MENTAL 8
342+HEALTH SERVICES . 9
357343
358- (2) INVESTIGATING OR REVI EWING A SUICIDE DEAT H UNDER ANY
359-OTHER PROVISION OF L AW.
344+5–1006. 10
360345
361-5–1008.
346+ (A) MEETINGS OF THE STATE TEAM SHALL BE C LOSED TO THE PUBLIC AND 11
347+ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT. 12
362348
363- THE DEPARTMENT MAY ADOPT REGULATIONS TO CARRY OUT THIS SUBTITLE ,
364-INCLUDING REGULATION S ON:
349+ (B) A MEMBER OF THE STATE TEAM OR ATTENDE E OF A STATE TEAM 13
350+MEETING MAY NOT : 14
365351
366- (1) THE PROCEDURES BY WHI CH HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS , HEALTH
367-CARE FACILITIES, AND OTHER PERSONS ID ENTIFY AND REPORT SU ICIDE DEATHS TO
368-THE DEPARTMENT OR AS DIRE CTED BY THE DEPARTMENT ;
352+ (1) RELEASE TO THE PUBLIC OR THE NEWS MEDIA IN FORMATION 15
353+DISCUSSED AT MEETING S; OR 16
369354
370- (2) THE PROTOCOLS , PROCEDURES , METHODS, MANNER, AND
371-EXTENT OF ALL INVEST IGATIONS AND REVIEWS BY THE STATE TEAM; AND
372- LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 80
355+ (2) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN § 5–1007 OF THIS SUBTITLE , TESTIFY IN 17
356+ANY PROCEEDING ABOUT DETAILS OF A STATE TEAM MEETING , INCLUDING ANY 18
357+INFORMATION PRESENTE D AT THE MEETING , OR ABOUT OPINIONS FO RMED BY THE 19
358+INDIVIDUAL BECAUSE O F THE MEETING. 20
373359
374-– 9 –
375- (3) THE MANNER IN AND EXT ENT TO WHICH INFORMA TION SHALL BE
376-DISSEMINATED UNDER T HIS SUBTITLE.
360+ (C) EACH MEMBER OF THE STATE TEAM AND ANY AT TENDEE OF A MEETING 21
361+OF THE STATE TEAM SHALL SIGN A STATEMENT INDICATI NG AN UNDERSTANDING 22
362+OF AND ADHERENCE TO THE STATE TEAM’S CONFIDENTIALITY RE QUIREMENTS , 23
363+INCLUDING ANY POTENT IAL CIVIL OR CRIMINA L CONSEQUENCES FOR A BREACH OF 24
364+CONFIDENTIALITY UNDE R THIS SECTION. 25
377365
378-5–1009.
366+5–1007. 26
379367
380- THIS SUBTITLE MAY BE CITED AS THE MARYLAND SUICIDE MORTALITY
381-REVIEW AND PREVENTION ACT.
368+ THIS SUBTITLE MAY NOT BE CONST RUED TO PROHIBIT A P ERSON FROM : 27
382369
383-Article – Health Occupations
370+ (1) TESTIFYING IN A CIVIL OR CRIMINAL ACTION A BOUT MATTERS 28
371+THAT OCCURRED IN A STATE TEAM MEETING IF THE TESTIMONY WILL B E BASED ON 29
372+THE PERSON’S INDEPENDENT KNOWLE DGE; OR 30
384373
385-1–401.
374+ (2) INVESTIGATING OR REVI EWING A SUICIDE DEATH U NDER ANY 31
375+OTHER PROVISION OF L AW. 32 HOUSE BILL 48 9
386376
387- (a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
388377
389- (3) “Medical review committee” means a committee or board that:
390378
391- (i) Is within one of the categories described in subsection (b) of this
392-section; and
379+5–1008. 1
393380
394- (ii) Performs functions that include at least one of the functions
395-listed in subsection (c) of this section.
381+ THE DEPARTMENT MAY ADOPT REGULATIONS TO CARRY OUT THIS SUBTITLE , 2
382+INCLUDING REGULATION S ON: 3
396383
397- (b) For purposes of this section, a medical review committee is:
384+ (1) THE PROCEDURES BY WHI CH HEALTH CARE PROVI DERS, HEALTH 4
385+CARE FACILITIES, AND OTHER PERSONS IDENTIFY AND REPORT SUICIDE DEATHS TO 5
386+THE DEPARTMENT OR AS DIRE CTED BY THE DEPARTMENT ; 6
398387
399- (1) A regulatory board or agency established by State or federal law to
400-license, certify, or discipline any provider of health care;
388+ (2) THE PROTOCOLS , PROCEDURES , METHODS, MANNER, AND 7
389+EXTENT OF ALL INVEST IGATIONS AND REVIEWS BY THE STATE TEAM; AND 8
401390
402- (2) A committee of the Maryland State Medical Society or any of its
403-component societies or a committee of any other professional society or association
404-composed of providers of health care;
391+ (3) THE MANNER IN AND EXT ENT TO WHICH INFORMA TION SHALL BE 9
392+DISSEMINATED UNDER T HIS SUBTITLE. 10
405393
406- (3) A committee appointed by or established in the Department or a local
407-health department for review purposes;
394+5–1009. 11
408395
409- (4) A committee appointed by or established in the Maryland Institute for
410-Emergency Medical Services Systems;
396+ THIS SUBTITLE MAY BE CITED AS THE MARYLAND SUICIDE MORTALITY 12
397+REVIEW AND PREVENTION ACT. 13
411398
412- (5) A committee of the medical staff or other committee, including any risk
413-management, credentialing, or utilization review committee established in accordance with
414-§ 19–319 of the Health – General Article, of a hospital, related institution, or alternative
415-health care system, if the governing board of the hospital, related institution, or alternative
416-health care system forms and approves the committee or approves the written bylaws under
417-which the committee operates;
399+Article – Health Occupations 14
418400
419- (6) A committee or individual designated by the holder of a pharmacy
420-permit, as defined in § 12–101 of this article, that performs the functions listed in Ch. 80 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
401+1–401. 15
421402
422-– 10 –
423-subsection (c) of this section, as part of a pharmacy’s ongoing quality assurance program;
403+ (a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. 16
424404
425- (7) Any person, including a professional standard review organization, who
426-contracts with an agency of this State or of the federal government to perform any of the
427-functions listed in subsection (c) of this section;
405+ (3) “Medical review committee” means a committee or board that: 17
428406
429- (8) Any person who contracts with a provider of health care to perform any
430-of those functions listed in subsection (c) of this section that are limited to the review of
431-services provided by the provider of health care;
407+ (i) Is within one of the categories described in subsection (b) of this 18
408+section; and 19
432409
433- (9) An organization, established by the Maryland Hospital Association,
434-Inc. and the Maryland State Medical Society, that contracts with a hospital, related
435-institution, or alternative delivery system to:
410+ (ii) Performs functions that include at least one of the functions 20
411+listed in subsection (c) of this section. 21
436412
437- (i) Assist in performing the functions listed in subsection (c) of this
438-section; or
413+ (b) For purposes of this section, a medical review committee is: 22
439414
440- (ii) Assist a hospital in meeting the requirements of § 19–319(e) of
441-the Health – General Article;
415+ (1) A regulatory board or agency established by State or federal law to 23
416+license, certify, or discipline any provider of health care; 24
442417
443- (10) A committee appointed by or established in an accredited health
444-occupations school;
418+ (2) A committee of the Maryland State Medical Society or any of its 25
419+component societies or a committee of any other professional society or association 26
420+composed of providers of health care; 27
445421
446- (11) An organization described under § 14–501 of this article that contracts
447-with a hospital, related institution, or health maintenance organization to:
422+ (3) A committee appointed by or established in the Department or a local 28
423+health department for review purposes; 29 10 HOUSE BILL 48
448424
449- (i) Assist in performing the functions listed in subsection (c) of this
450-section; or
451425
452- (ii) Assist a health maintenance organization in meeting the
453-requirements of Title 19, Subtitle 7 of the Health – General Article, the National Committee
454-for Quality Assurance (NCQA), or any other applicable credentialing law or regulation;
455426
456- (12) An accrediting organization as defined in § 14–501 of this article;
427+ (4) A committee appointed by or established in the Maryland Institute for 1
428+Emergency Medical Services Systems; 2
457429
458- (13) A Mortality and Quality Review Committee established under § 5–802
459-of the Health – General Article or a Morbidity, Mortality, and Quality Review Committee
460-established under § 18–107 of the Health – General Article;
430+ (5) A committee of the medical staff or other committee, including any risk 3
431+management, credentialing, or utilization review committee established in accordance with 4
432+§ 19–319 of the Health – General Article, of a hospital, related institution, or alternative 5
433+health care system, if the governing board of the hospital, related institution, or alternative 6
434+health care system forms and approves the committee or approves the written bylaws under 7
435+which the committee operates; 8
461436
462- (14) A center designated by the Maryland Health Care Commission as the
463-Maryland Patient Safety Center that performs the functions listed in subsection (c)(1) of
464-this section; or
437+ (6) A committee or individual designated by the holder of a pharmacy 9
438+permit, as defined in § 12–101 of this article, that performs the functions listed in 10
439+subsection (c) of this section, as part of a pharmacy’s ongoing quality assurance program; 11
465440
466- (15) The Maryland Health Care Commission or its staff, when performing
467-the functions listed in subsection (c) of this section, provided that the data or medical
468-information under review is furnished to the Maryland Health Care Commission by LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 80
441+ (7) Any person, including a professional standard review organization, who 12
442+contracts with an agency of this State or of the federal government to perform any of the 13
443+functions listed in subsection (c) of this section; 14
469444
470-– 11 –
471-another medical review committee.
445+ (8) Any person who contracts with a provider of health care to perform any 15
446+of those functions listed in subsection (c) of this section that are limited to the review of 16
447+services provided by the provider of health care; 17
472448
473- (c) For purposes of this section, a medical review committee:
449+ (9) An organization, established by the Maryland Hospital Association, 18
450+Inc. and the Maryland State Medical Society, that contracts with a hospital, related 19
451+institution, or alternative delivery system to: 20
474452
475- (1) Evaluates and seeks to improve the quality of health care provided by
476-providers of health care;
453+ (i) Assist in performing the functions listed in subsection (c) of this 21
454+section; or 22
477455
478- (2) Evaluates the need for and the level of performance of health care
479-provided by providers of health care;
456+ (ii) Assist a hospital in meeting the requirements of § 19–319(e) of 23
457+the Health – General Article; 24
480458
481- (3) Evaluates the qualifications, competence, and performance of providers
482-of health care; or
459+ (10) A committee appointed by or established in an accredited health 25
460+occupations school; 26
483461
484- (4) Evaluates and acts on matters that relate to the discipline of any
485-provider of health care.
462+ (11) An organization described under § 14–501 of this article that contracts 27
463+with a hospital, related institution, or health maintenance organization to: 28
486464
487- SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall be construed to
488-apply only prospectively to deaths that occur after the effective date of this Act and may
489-not be applied or interpreted to have any effect on or application to any deaths that occurred
490-before the effective date of this Act.
465+ (i) Assist in performing the functions listed in subsection (c) of this 29
466+section; or 30
491467
492- SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
493-October 1, 2022.
468+ (ii) Assist a health maintenance organization in meeting the 31
469+requirements of Title 19, Subtitle 7 of the Health – General Article, the National Committee 32
470+for Quality Assurance (NCQA), or any other applicable credentialing law or regulation; 33
494471
495-Approved by the Governor, April 12, 2022.
472+ (12) An accrediting organization as defined in § 14–501 of this article; 34 HOUSE BILL 48 11
473+
474+
475+
476+ (13) A Mortality and Quality Review Committee established under § 5–802 1
477+of the Health – General Article or a Morbidity, Mortality, and Quality Review Committee 2
478+established under § 18–107 of the Health – General Article; 3
479+
480+ (14) A center designated by the Maryland Health Care Commission as the 4
481+Maryland Patient Safety Center that performs the functions listed in subsection (c)(1) of 5
482+this section; or 6
483+
484+ (15) The Maryland Health Care Commission or its staff, when performing 7
485+the functions listed in subsection (c) of this section, provided that the data or medical 8
486+information under review is furnished to the Maryland Health Care Commission by 9
487+another medical review committee. 10
488+
489+ (c) For purposes of this section, a medical review committee: 11
490+
491+ (1) Evaluates and seeks to improve the quality of health care provided by 12
492+providers of health care; 13
493+
494+ (2) Evaluates the need for and the level of performance of health care 14
495+provided by providers of health care; 15
496+
497+ (3) Evaluates the qualifications, competence, and performance of providers 16
498+of health care; or 17
499+
500+ (4) Evaluates and acts on matters that relate to the discipline of any 18
501+provider of health care. 19
502+
503+ SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall be construed to 20
504+apply only prospectively to deaths that occur after the effective date of this Act and may 21
505+not be applied or interpreted to have any effect on or application to any deaths that occurred 22
506+before the effective date of this Act. 23
507+
508+ SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect 24
509+October 1, 2022. 25
510+
511+