MD
Maryland Senate Bill SB94

Maryland 2022 Regular Session

Maryland Senate Bill SB94 Compare Versions

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1- LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 81
21
3-– 1 –
4-Chapter 81
5-(Senate Bill 94)
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+ *sb0094*
89
9-Public Health – Maryland Suicide Fatality Review Committee
10+SENATE BILL 94
11+J1 2lr1194
12+SB 168/21 – FIN (PRE–FILED) CF HB 48
13+By: Senators Eckardt and Carozza, Carozza, Augustine, Beidle, Benson, Feldman,
14+Hayes, Hershey, Jennings, Kelley, Klausmeier, Kramer, and Ready
15+Requested: November 1, 2021
16+Introduced and read first time: January 12, 2022
17+Assigned to: Finance
18+Committee Report: Favorable with amendments
19+Senate action: Adopted
20+Read second time: February 8, 2022
1021
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.
22+CHAPTER ______
1823
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)
24+AN ACT concerning 1
2425
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)
26+Public Health – Maryland Suicide Fatality Review Committee 2
3127
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)
28+FOR the purpose of establishing the Maryland Suicide Fatality Review Committee; 3
29+providing that a person has immunity from liability for certain actions related to the 4
30+Committee; providing for the sharing of information with and confidentiality of 5
31+information obtained by the Committee; exempting Committee meetings from the 6
32+Open Meetings Act; prohibiting certain persons from testifying in any proceeding 7
33+about details of a Committee meeting; and generally relating to the Maryland 8
34+Suicide Fatality Review Committee. 9
3735
38-Preamble
36+BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 10
37+ Article – Courts and Judicial Proceedings 11
38+Section 5–637 12
39+ Annotated Code of Maryland 13
40+ (2020 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 14
3941
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
42+BY adding to 15
43+ Article – Health – General 16
44+Section 5–1001 through 5–1009 to be under the new subtitle “Subtitle 10. Maryland 17
45+Suicide Fatality Review Committee” 18
46+ Annotated Code of Maryland 19
47+ (2019 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 20
48+ 2 SENATE BILL 94
4349
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
4650
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. 81 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
51+BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 1
52+ Article – Health Occupations 2
53+Section 1–401(a)(1) and (3), (b), and (c) 3
54+ Annotated Code of Maryland 4
55+ (2021 Replacement Volume) 5
5056
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
57+Preamble 6
5458
55- WHEREAS, Every year in this State, an average of 530 persons die by suicide; and
59+ WHEREAS, The Maryland Governor’s Commission on Su icide Prevention declared 7
60+that suicide deaths are a serious public health issue and have a tremendous family and 8
61+societal impact; and 9
5662
57- WHEREAS, More persons die by suicide in this State than die by homicide; and
63+ WHEREAS, Veterans account for 18% of all suicide deaths in this State, as reported 10
64+by the National Violent Death Reporting System in 2013–2014; and 11
5865
59- WHEREAS, Suicide deaths are significantly underestimated and inadequately
60-documented, thus preventing efforts to identify and reduce or eliminate such deaths; and
66+ WHEREAS, The number of recorded suicide deaths in Maryland increased from 474 12
67+to 650 between 2000 and 2018, representing a 37% increase; and 13
6168
62- WHEREAS, No process exists in this State for the confidential identification,
63-investigation, or dissemination of findings regarding suicide deaths; and
69+ WHEREAS, Across all ages, one–half of all persons who die by suicide in this State 14
70+experienced mental health problems; and 15
6471
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
72+ WHEREAS, Every year in this State, an average of 530 persons die by suicide; and 16
6973
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
74+ WHEREAS, More persons die by suicide in this State than die by homicide; and 17
7475
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,
76+ WHEREAS, Suicide deaths are significantly underestimated and inadequately 18
77+documented, thus preventing efforts to identify and reduce or eliminate such deaths; and 19
7878
79- SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND,
80-That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:
79+ WHEREAS, No process exists in this State for the confidential identification, 20
80+investigation, or dissemination of findings regarding suicide deaths; and 21
8181
82-Article – Courts and Judicial Proceedings
82+ WHEREAS, Goal number one in the Maryland Center for Preventive Health 22
83+Services and the Partnership for a Safer Maryland’s Strategic Plan is to expand and refine 23
84+the current surveillance efforts to assess injury risks, inform intervention development, 24
85+and evaluate the impacts of injury prevention initiatives; and 25
8386
84-5–637.
87+ WHEREAS, The U.S. National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, as issued by the U.S. 26
88+Office of the Surgeon General, recommends that suicide deaths be investigated through 27
89+state–based suicide mortality reviews to institute the systemic changes needed to decrease 28
90+suicide mortality; and 29
8591
86- (a) In this section, “medical review committee” has the meaning stated in § 1–401
87-of the Health Occupations Article.
92+ WHEREAS, There is a need to establish a statewide program to review suicide 30
93+deaths among persons in this State and to develop strategies for the prevention of suicide 31
94+deaths in this State; now, therefore, 32
8895
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.
96+ SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 33
97+That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: 34 SENATE BILL 94 3
9398
94-Article – Health – General
9599
96-SUBTITLE 10. MARYLAND SUICIDE FATALITY REVIEW COMMITTEE.
97- LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 81
98100
99-– 3 –
100-5–1001.
101+Article – Courts and Judicial Proceedings 1
101102
102- IN THIS SUBTITLE, “STATE TEAM” MEANS THE MARYLAND SUICIDE FATALITY
103-REVIEW COMMITTEE.
103+5–637. 2
104104
105-5–1002.
105+ (a) In this section, “medical review committee” has the meaning stated in § 1–401 3
106+of the Health Occupations Article. 4
106107
107- (A) THERE IS A MARYLAND SUICIDE FATALITY REVIEW COMMITTEE, ALSO
108-REFERRED TO AS THE STATE TEAM.
108+ (b) A person who acts in good faith and within the scope of the jurisdiction of a 5
109+medical review committee is not civilly liable for any action as a member of the medical 6
110+review committee or for giving information to, participating in, or contributing to the 7
111+function of the medical review committee. 8
109112
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.
113+Article – Health – General 9
113114
114- (C) (1) THE STATE TEAM SHALL INCL UDE THE FOLLOWING ME MBERS,
115-WHO SHALL SERVE ON A N EX OFFICIO BAS IS:
115+SUBTITLE 10. MARYLAND SUICIDE FATALITY REVIEW COMMITTEE. 10
116116
117- (I) THE SECRETARY, OR THE SECRETARY’S DESIGNEE;
117+5–1001. 11
118118
119- (II) THE DEPUTY SECRETARY OF THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
120-ADMINISTRATION , OR THE DEPUTY SECRETARY’S DESIGNEE; AND
119+ IN THIS SUBTITLE, “STATE TEAM” MEANS THE MARYLAND SUICIDE FATALITY 12
120+REVIEW COMMITTEE. 13
121121
122- (III) THE CHAIR OF THE GOVERNOR’S COMMISSION ON SUICIDE
123-PREVENTION.
122+5–1002. 14
124123
125- (2) THE SECRETARY MAY INCLUDE IN THE STATE TEAM THE CHIEF
126-MEDICAL EXAMINER, OR THE CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER’S DESIGNEE.
124+ (A) THERE IS A MARYLAND SUICIDE FATALITY REVIEW COMMITTEE, ALSO 15
125+REFERRED TO AS THE STATE TEAM. 16
127126
128- (3) THE SECRETARY MAY INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING MEMBER S IN
129-THE STATE TEAM, AS DESIGNATED BY THE SECRETARY:
127+ (B) THE PURPOSE OF THE STATE TEAM IS TO IDEN TIFY AND ADDRESS THE 17
128+FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO SUICIDE DEATHS AND FACILITAT E SYSTEM CHANGES IN 18
129+THE STATE TO PREVENT SUIC IDE DEATHS. 19
130130
131- (I) A SUICIDOLOGIST OR AN ACADEMIC WITH A SPECIALTY IN
132-THE STUDY AND PREVEN TION OF SUICIDE;
131+ (C) (1) THE STATE TEAM SHALL INCL UDE THE FOLLOWING ME MBERS, 20
132+WHO SHALL SERVE ON A N EX OFFICIO BASIS: 21
133133
134- (II) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDER S;
134+ (I) THE SECRETARY, OR THE SECRETARY’S DESIGNEE; 22
135135
136- (III) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF AN ORGANIZATION HAVI NG
137-EXPERTISE IN SUICIDE PREVENTION ;
136+ (II) THE DEPUTY SECRETARY OF THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 23
137+ADMINISTRATION , OR THE DEPUTY SECRETARY’S DESIGNEE; AND 24
138138
139- (IV) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF AN ORGANIZATION HAVI NG
140-EXPERTISE IN THE TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF SUBSTA NCE ABUSE;
139+ (III) THE CHAIR OF THE GOVERNOR’S COMMISSION ON SUICIDE 25
140+PREVENTION. 26
141141
142- (V) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF AN ORGANIZATION THAT
143-ADVOCATES FOR INDIVI DUALS WITH MENTAL IL LNESS; Ch. 81 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
142+ (2) THE SECRETARY MAY INCLUDE IN THE STATE TEAM THE CHIEF 27
143+MEDICAL EXAMINER, OR THE CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER’S DESIGNEE. 28
144+ 4 SENATE BILL 94
144145
145-– 4 –
146146
147- (VI) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OR
148-CORRECTIONAL SERVICE S; AND
147+ (3) THE SECRETARY MAY INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING MEMBER S IN 1
148+THE STATE TEAM, AS DESIGNATED BY THE SECRETARY: 2
149149
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 .
150+ (I) A SUICIDOLOGIST OR AN ACADEMIC WITH A SPEC IALTY IN 3
151+THE STUDY AND PREVEN TION OF SUICIDE; 4
154152
155- (D) THE STATE TEAM SHALL ELEC T THE CHAIR OF THE STATE TEAM BY A
156-MAJORITY VOTE .
153+ (II) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDER S; 5
157154
158- (E) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROV IDE STAFF FOR THE STATE TEAM.
155+ (III) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF AN ORGANIZATION HAVI NG 6
156+EXPERTISE IN SUICIDE PREVENTION ; 7
159157
160- (F) ALL MEMBERS OF THE STATE TEAM SHALL BE V OTING MEMBERS .
158+ (IV) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF AN ORGANIZATION HAVI NG 8
159+EXPERTISE IN THE TRE ATMENT AND PREVENTIO N OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE ; 9
161160
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 .
161+ (V) ONE REPRESENTATIVE O F AN ORGANIZATION TH AT 10
162+ADVOCATES FOR INDIVI DUALS WITH MENTAL IL LNESS; 11
165163
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.
164+ (VI) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OR 12
165+CORRECTIONAL SERVICE S; AND 13
169166
170- (3) ALL VACANCIES SHALL B E FILLED BY THE DESI GNATING
171-AUTHORITY IN ACCORDA NCE WITH THIS SECTIO N.
167+ (VII) ANY ADDITIONAL MEMBER S DETERMINED TO BE 14
168+NECESSARY BY THE SECRETARY TO CARRY OU T THE PURPOSE OF THI S SUBTITLE, 15
169+WHICH MAY INCLUDE RE PRESENTATIVES FROM R ELEVANT DISCIPLINES AND 16
170+RELEVANT COMMUNITY –BASED ORGANIZATIONS . 17
172171
173- (H) A MEMBER OF THE STATE TEAM:
172+ (D) THE STATE TEAM SHALL ELEC T THE CHAIR OF THE STATE TEAM BY A 18
173+MAJORITY VOTE . 19
174174
175- (1) MAY NOT RECEIVE COMPE NSATION FOR SERVICE ON THE STATE
176-TEAM; BUT
175+ (E) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROV IDE STAFF FOR THE STATE TEAM. 20
177176
178- (2) IS ENTITLED TO REIMBU RSEMENT FOR EXPENSES UNDER THE
179-STANDARD STATE TRAVEL REGULATIONS, AS PROVIDED IN THE STATE BUDGET .
177+ (F) ALL MEMBERS OF THE STATE TEAM SHALL BE V OTING MEMBERS . 21
180178
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.
179+ (G) (1) EACH MEMBER DESIGNATE D UNDER SUBSECTION (C)(3) OF THIS 22
180+SECTION SHALL SERVE ON THE STATE TEAM FOR A TERM OF 3 YEARS AND MAY BE 23
181+REAPPOINTED . 24
184182
185-5–1003.
183+ (2) AT THE END OF A TERM , A MEMBER DESIGN ATED UNDER 25
184+SUBSECTION (C)(3) OF THIS SECTION CONT INUES TO SERVE UNTIL A SUCCESSOR IS 26
185+APPOINTED. 27
186186
187- (A) THE STATE TEAM SHALL :
188- LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 81
187+ (3) ALL VACANCIES SHALL B E FILLED BY THE DESI GNATING 28
188+AUTHORITY IN ACCORDA NCE WITH THIS SECTIO N. 29
189189
190-– 5 –
191- (1) MEET AT LEAST QUARTER LY TO REVIEW SUICIDE DEATHS,
192-CONSISTENT WITH TH E REQUIREMENTS OF TH IS SUBTITLE;
190+ (H) A MEMBER OF THE STATE TEAM: 30 SENATE BILL 94 5
193191
194- (2) MAKE DETERMINATIONS R EGARDING:
195192
196- (I) THE FOLLOWING ISSUES RELATED TO INDIVIDUA LS AT RISK
197-FOR SUICIDE:
198193
199- 1. TRENDS;
194+ (1) MAY NOT RECEIVE COM PENSATION FOR SERVIC E ON THE STATE 1
195+TEAM; BUT 2
200196
201- 2. RISK FACTORS;
197+ (2) IS ENTITLED TO REIMBU RSEMENT FOR EXPENSES UNDER THE 3
198+STANDARD STATE TRAVEL REGULATIONS, AS PROVIDED IN THE STATE BUDGET . 4
202199
203- 3. CURRENT BEST PRACTICE S IN SUICIDE PREVENT ION;
200+ (I) TO THE EXTENT THAT FU NDS ARE AVAILABLE , THE STATE TEAM MAY 5
201+HIRE STAFF OR CONSU LTANTS TO ASSIST THE STATE TEAM IN CARRYIN G OUT ITS 6
202+DUTIES. 7
204203
205- 4. LAPSES IN SYSTEMIC RESPONSES ; AND
204+5–1003. 8
206205
207- 5. BARRIERS TO SAFETY AN D WELL–BEING; AND
206+ (A) THE STATE TEAM SHALL : 9
208207
209- (II) STRATEGIES FOR THE PR EVENTION OF SUICIDE DEATHS;
208+ (1) MEET AT LEAST QUARTER LY TO REVIEW SUICIDE DEATHS, 10
209+CONSISTENT WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SUBTITLE; 11
210210
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:
211+ (2) MAKE DETERMINATIONS R EGARDING: 12
214212
215- (I) THE STATE TEAM’S ACTIVITIES; AND
213+ (I) THE FOLLOWING ISSUES REL ATED TO INDIVIDUALS AT RISK 13
214+FOR SUICIDE: 14
216215
217- (II) THE STATE TEAM’S RECOMMENDATIONS ON :
216+ 1. TRENDS; 15
218217
219- 1. CHANGING ANY LAW OR P OLICY IN A MANNER TH AT
220-WOULD PROMOTE THE PR EVENTION OF SUICIDE DEATHS; AND
218+ 2. RISK FACTORS; 16
221219
222- 2. IMPROVING THE AVAILAB ILITY OF SOURCES OF
223-INFORMATION RELATING T O THE INVESTIGATION OF REPORTED SUICIDE
224-FATALITIES;
220+ 3. CURRENT BEST PRACTICE S IN SUICIDE PREVENT ION; 17
225221
226- (4) UNDERTAKE ANNUAL STAT ISTICAL STUDIES OF :
222+ 4. LAPSES IN SYSTEMIC RE SPONSES; AND 18
227223
228- (I) THE INCIDENTS AND CAU SES OF SUICIDE MORTA LITY IN
229-THE STATE; AND
224+ 5. BARRIERS TO SAFETY AN D WELL–BEING; AND 19
230225
231- (II) TRENDS AND PATTERNS O F SUICIDE DEATHS IN THE STATE;
232-AND
233- Ch. 81 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
226+ (II) STRATEGIES FOR THE PR EVENTION OF SUICIDE DEATHS; 20
234227
235-– 6 –
236- (5) DISSEMINATE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS BASED ON THE
237-STUDIES CONDUCTED UN DER ITEM (4) OF THIS SUBSECTION T O POLICYMAKERS ,
238-HEALTH CARE PROVIDER S, HEALTH CARE FACILITI ES, AND THE PUBLIC .
228+ (3) REPORT AT LEAST ANNUA LLY TO THE GOVERNOR AND , IN 21
229+ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, THE GENERAL 22
230+ASSEMBLY ON: 23
239231
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 .
232+ (I) THE STATE TEAM’S ACTIVITIES; AND 24
244233
245-5–1004.
234+ (II) THE STATE TEAM’S RECOMMENDATIONS ON : 25
246235
247- A PERSON SHALL HAVE TH E IMMUNITY FROM LIAB ILITY 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.
236+ 1. CHANGING ANY LAW OR P OLICY IN A MANNER TH AT 26
237+WOULD PROMOTE THE PR EVENTION OF SUICIDE DEATHS; AND 27 6 SENATE BILL 94
251238
252-5–1005.
253239
254- (A) THE STATE TEAM IS A PUBLI C HEALTH AUTHORITY , 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.
257240
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 PROVIDER
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 REVIEW OF A
263-SPECIFIC FATALITY , INCLUDING:
241+ 2. IMPROVING THE AVAILAB ILITY OF SOURCES OF 1
242+INFORMATION RELATING TO THE INVESTIGATION OF REPORTED SUICIDE 2
243+FATALITIES; 3
264244
265- (1) HOSPITAL RECORDS;
245+ (4) UNDERTAKE ANNUAL STAT ISTICAL STUDIES OF : 4
266246
267- (2) OUTPATIENT CLINIC , HEALTH CARE PROVIDER , AND
268-LABORATORY RECORDS ;
247+ (I) THE INCIDENTS AND CAU SES OF SUICIDE MORTA LITY IN 5
248+THE STATE; AND 6
269249
270- (3) POLICE INVESTIGATION DATA;
250+ (II) TRENDS AND PATTERNS O F SUICIDE DEATHS IN THE STATE; 7
251+AND 8
271252
272- (4) MEDICAL EXAMINER INVE STIGATIVE DATA;
253+ (5) DISSEMINATE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS BASED ON THE 9
254+STUDIES CONDUCTED UNDER ITEM (4) OF THIS SUBSECTION T O POLICYMAKERS , 10
255+HEALTH CARE PROVIDER S, HEALTH CARE FACILITI ES, AND THE PUBLIC . 11
273256
274- (5) CAUSE–OF–DEATH INFORMATION IN VITAL RECORDS ;
257+ (B) THE STATE TEAM MAY PERIOD ICALLY MAKE AVAILABL E, IN A GENERAL 12
258+MANNER THAT DOES NOT REVEAL CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION ABOUT IN DIVIDUAL 13
259+CASES, ONLY THE AGGREGATE F INDINGS OF THE STATE TEAM’S REVIEWS AND THEIR 14
260+RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PREVENTIVE ACTIONS . 15
275261
276- (6) SOCIAL SERVICES RECOR DS; AND
277- LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 81
262+5–1004. 16
278263
279-– 7 –
280- (7) OTHER RECORDS FROM STATE OFFICES , AGENCIES, AND
281-DEPARTMENTS .
264+ A PERSON SHALL HAVE TH E IMMUNITY FROM LIAB ILITY UNDER § 5–637 OF 17
265+THE COURTS ARTICLE FOR ANY ACTIO N AS A MEMBER OF THE STATE TEAM OR FO R 18
266+GIVING INFORMATION T O, PARTICIPATING IN , OR CONTRIBUTING TO T HE FUNCTION 19
267+OF THE STATE TEAM. 20
282268
283- (C) THE STATE TEAM MAY REQUES T THAT A PERSON WITH DIRECT
284-KNOWLEDGE OF CIRCUMS TANCES SURROUNDING A FATALITY PROVIDE THE STATE
285-TEAM WITH INFORMATIO N NECESSARY TO COMPL ETE THE REVIEW OF TH E
286-PARTICULAR FATALITY, INCLUDING INFORMATIO N FROM:
269+5–1005. 21
287270
288- (1) A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER OR STAFF INVOLVED IN THE CARE OF
289-THE DECEDENT ; AND
271+ (A) THE STATE TEAM IS A PUBLI C HEALTH AUTHORITY , AS DEFINED IN 45 22
272+C.F.R. § 164.501, CONDUCTING PUBLIC HE ALTH ACTIVITIES IN A CCORDANCE WITH 23
273+THE FEDERAL HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT. 24
290274
291- (2) THE PERSON WHO FIRST RESPONDED TO A REPOR T CONCERNING
292-THE DECEDENT .
275+ (B) ON REQUEST OF THE CHA IR OF THE STATE TEAM AND AS NEC ESSARY TO 25
276+CARRY OUT THE STATE TEAM’S PURPOSE AND DUTIES , A HEALTH CARE PROVID ER 26
277+OR A STATE OR LOCAL GOVERN MENT AGENCY IMMEDIAT ELY SHALL PROVIDE T O 27
278+THE STATE TEAM ANY RECORD S OF THE HEALTH CARE PROVIDER OR STATE OR 28
279+LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGE NCY NECESSARY TO COM PLETE THE REVIEW OF A 29
280+SPECIFIC FATALITY , INCLUDING: 30
293281
294- (D) THE STATE TEAM:
282+ (1) HOSPITAL RECORDS ; 31
283+ SENATE BILL 94 7
295284
296- (1) MAY SHARE INFORMATION WITH OTHER PUBLIC HEALTH
297-AUTHORITIES OR THEIR DESIGNEES AS THE STATE TEAM DETERMINES NECESSARY
298-TO CARRY OUT THE PUR POSES OF THIS SUBTIT LE; AND
299285
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 .
286+ (2) OUTPATIENT CLINIC , HEALTH CARE PROVIDER , AND 1
287+LABORATORY RECORDS ; 2
304288
305- (E) (1) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION ,
306-ALL INFORMATION AND RECORDS ACQUIRED BY THE STATE TEAM IN THE EXE RCISE
307-OF ITS DUTIES:
289+ (3) POLICE INVESTIGATION DATA; 3
308290
309- (I) SHALL BE CONFIDENTIAL ;
291+ (4) MEDICAL EXAMINER INVE STIGATIVE DATA; 4
310292
311- (II) SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE UNDER THE PUBLIC
312-INFORMATION ACT; AND
293+ (5) CAUSE–OF–DEATH INFORMATION IN VITAL RECORDS ; 5
313294
314- (III) MAY NOT BE SUBJECT TO DISCOVERY OR INTRODU CTION
315-INTO EVIDENCE IN ANY PROCEEDINGS .
295+ (6) SOCIAL SERVICES RECOR DS; AND 6
316296
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.
297+ (7) OTHER RECORDS FROM STATE OFFICES , AGENCIES, AND 7
298+DEPARTMENTS . 8
320299
321- (F) MENTAL HEALTH RECORDS ARE SUBJECT TO THE A DDITIONAL
322-LIMITATIONS UNDER § 4–307 OF THIS ARTICLE FOR DISCLOSURE OF A MEDI CAL Ch. 81 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
300+ (C) THE STATE TEAM MAY REQUEST THAT A P ERSON WITH DIRECT 9
301+KNOWLEDGE OF CIRCUMS TANCES SURROUNDING A FATALITY PROVIDE THE STATE 10
302+TEAM WITH INFORMATIO N NECESSARY TO COMPL ETE THE REVIEW OF TH E 11
303+PARTICULAR FATALITY , INCLUDING INFORMATIO N FROM: 12
323304
324-– 8 –
325-RECORD DEVELOPED PRI MARILY IN CONNECTI ON WITH THE PROVISIO N OF MENTAL
326-HEALTH SERVICES .
305+ (1) A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER OR STAFF INVOLVED IN THE CARE OF 13
306+THE DECEDENT ; AND 14
327307
328-5–1006.
308+ (2) THE PERSON WHO FIRST RESPONDED TO A REPOR T CONCERNING 15
309+THE DECEDENT . 16
329310
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.
311+ (D) THE STATE TEAM: 17
332312
333- (B) A MEMBER OF THE STATE TEAM OR ATTENDE E OF A STATE TEAM
334-MEETING MAY NOT :
313+ (1) MAY SHARE INFORMATION WITH OTHER PUBLIC HE ALTH 18
314+AUTHORITIES OR THEIR DESIGNEES AS THE STATE TEAM DETERMINES NECESSARY 19
315+TO CARRY OUT THE PUR POSES OF THIS SUBTIT LE; AND 20
335316
336- (1) RELEASE TO THE PUBLIC O R THE NEWS MEDIA INF ORMATION
337-DISCUSSED AT MEETING S; OR
317+ (2) SHALL COORDINATE WITH THE STATE’S CHILD FATALITY 21
318+REVIEW AND DRUG OVERDOSE FATALITY REVIEW TEAMS TO SHARE AND RECEIVE 22
319+INFORMATION RELEVANT TO THE STATE TEAM ’S FINDINGS AND TO EN SURE 23
320+EFFICIENCY IN THE WORK OF THE TE AMS. 24
338321
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 FORMED BY THE
342-INDIVIDUAL BECAUSE O F THE MEETING.
322+ (E) (1) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION , 25
323+ALL INFORMATION AND RECORDS ACQUIRED BY THE STATE TEAM IN THE EXE RCISE 26
324+OF ITS DUTIES: 27
343325
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.
326+ (I) SHALL BE CONFIDENTIAL ; 28
349327
350-5–1007.
328+ (II) SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE UNDER THE PUBLIC 29
329+INFORMATION ACT; AND 30 8 SENATE BILL 94
351330
352- THIS SUBTITLE MAY NOT BE CONSTRUED TO PROH IBIT A PERSON FROM :
353331
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
357332
358- (2) INVESTIGATING OR REVI EWING A SUICIDE DEAT H UNDER ANY
359-OTHER PROVISION OF L AW.
333+ (III) MAY NOT BE SUBJECT TO DISCOVERY OR INTRODU CTION 1
334+INTO EVIDENCE IN ANY PROCEEDINGS . 2
360335
361-5–1008.
336+ (2) INFORMATION MAY BE DI SCLOSED AS NECESSARY AND IN A 3
337+MANNER CONSISTENT WI TH THIS SUBTITLE TO CARRY OUT THE PURPOS ES OF THIS 4
338+SUBTITLE. 5
362339
363- THE DEPARTMENT MAY ADOPT REGULATIONS TO CARRY OUT THIS SUBTITLE,
364-INCLUDING REGULATION S ON:
365- LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 81
340+ (F) MENTAL HEALTH RECORDS ARE SUBJECT TO THE A DDITIONAL 6
341+LIMITATIONS UNDER § 4–307 OF THIS ARTICLE FOR DISCLOSURE OF A MEDI CAL 7
342+RECORD DEVELOPED PRI MARILY IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROVISION O F MENTAL 8
343+HEALTH SERVICES . 9
366344
367-– 9 –
368- (1) THE PROCEDURES BY WHI CH HEALTH CARE PROVI DERS, HEALTH
369-CARE FACILITIES, AND OTHER PERSONS ID ENTIFY AND REPORT SU ICIDE DEATHS TO
370-THE DEPARTMENT OR AS DIRE CTED BY THE DEPARTMENT ;
345+5–1006. 10
371346
372- (2) THE PROTOCOLS , PROCEDURES , METHODS, MANNER, AND
373-EXTENT OF ALL INVEST IGATIONS AND REVIEWS BY THE STATE TEAM; AND
347+ (A) MEETINGS OF THE STATE TEAM SHALL BE C LOSED TO THE PUBLIC AND 11
348+ARE NOT SUBJECT TO T HE OPEN MEETINGS ACT. 12
374349
375- (3) THE MANNER IN AND EXT ENT TO WHICH INFORMA TION SHALL BE
376-DISSEMINATED UNDER T HIS SUBTITLE.
350+ (B) A MEMBER OF THE STATE TEAM OR ATTENDE E OF A STATE TEAM 13
351+MEETING MAY NOT : 14
377352
378-5–1009.
353+ (1) RELEASE TO THE PUBLIC OR THE NEWS MEDIA IN FORMATION 15
354+DISCUSSED AT MEETING S; OR 16
379355
380- THIS SUBTITLE MAY BE CITED AS THE MARYLAND SUICIDE MORTALITY
381-REVIEW AND PREVENTION ACT.
356+ (2) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN § 5–1007 OF THIS SUBTITLE , TESTIFY IN 17
357+ANY PROCEEDING ABOUT DETAILS OF A STATE TEAM MEETING , INCLUDING ANY 18
358+INFORMATION PRESENTE D AT THE MEETING , OR ABOUT OPINIONS FO RMED BY THE 19
359+INDIVIDUAL BECAUSE O F THE MEETING. 20
382360
383-Article – Health Occupations
361+ (C) EACH MEMBER OF THE STATE TEAM AND ANY AT TENDEE OF A MEETING 21
362+OF THE STATE TEAM SHALL SIGN A STATEMENT INDICATI NG AN UNDERSTANDING 22
363+OF AND ADHERENCE TO THE STATE TEAM’S CONFIDENTIALITY RE QUIREMENTS , 23
364+INCLUDING ANY POTENT IAL CIVIL OR CRIMINA L CONSEQUENCES FOR A BREACH OF 24
365+CONFIDENTIALITY UNDER T HIS SECTION. 25
384366
385-1–401.
367+5–1007. 26
386368
387- (a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
369+ THIS SUBTITLE MAY NOT BE CONSTRUED TO PROH IBIT A PERSON FROM : 27
388370
389- (3) “Medical review committee” means a committee or board that:
371+ (1) TESTIFYING IN A CIVIL OR CRIMINAL ACTION A BOUT MATTERS 28
372+THAT OCCURRED IN A STATE TEAM MEETING IF THE TESTIMONY WILL B E BASED ON 29
373+THE PERSON’S INDEPENDENT KNOWLEDGE ; OR 30
374+ SENATE BILL 94 9
390375
391- (i) Is within one of the categories described in subsection (b) of this
392-section; and
393376
394- (ii) Performs functions that include at least one of the functions
395-listed in subsection (c) of this section.
377+ (2) INVESTIGATING OR REVI EWING A SUICIDE DEAT H UNDER ANY 1
378+OTHER PROVISION OF L AW. 2
396379
397- (b) For purposes of this section, a medical review committee is:
380+5–1008. 3
398381
399- (1) A regulatory board or agency established by State or federal law to
400-license, certify, or discipline any provider of health care;
382+ THE DEPARTMENT MAY ADOPT REGULATIONS TO CARRY OUT THIS SUBTITLE , 4
383+INCLUDING REGULATION S ON: 5
401384
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;
385+ (1) THE PROCEDURES BY WHI CH HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, HEALTH 6
386+CARE FACILITIES, AND OTHER PERSONS ID ENTIFY AND REPORT SU ICIDE DEATHS TO 7
387+THE DEPARTMENT OR AS DIRE CTED BY THE DEPARTMENT ; 8
405388
406- (3) A committee appointed by or established in the Department or a local
407-health department for review purposes;
389+ (2) THE PROTOCOLS , PROCEDURES , METHODS, MANNER, AND 9
390+EXTENT OF ALL INVEST IGATIONS AND REVIEWS BY THE STATE TEAM; AND 10
408391
409- (4) A committee appointed by or established in the Maryland Institute for
410-Emergency Medical Services Systems;
392+ (3) THE MANNER IN AND EXT ENT TO WHICH INFORMA TION SHALL BE 11
393+DISSEMINATED UNDER T HIS SUBTITLE. 12
411394
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 Ch. 81 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND
395+5–1009. 13
414396
415-– 10 –
416-§ 19–319 of the Health – General Article, of a hospital, related institution, or alternative
417-health care system, if the governing board of the hospital, related institution, or alternative
418-health care system forms and approves the committee or approves the written bylaws under
419-which the committee operates;
397+ THIS SUBTITLE MAY BE CITED AS THE MARYLAND SUICIDE MORTALITY 14
398+REVIEW AND PREVENTION ACT. 15
420399
421- (6) A committee or individual designated by the holder of a pharmacy
422-permit, as defined in § 12–101 of this article, that performs the functions listed in
423-subsection (c) of this section, as part of a pharmacy’s ongoing quality assurance program;
400+Article – Health Occupations 16
424401
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;
402+1–401. 17
428403
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;
404+ (a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. 18
432405
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:
406+ (3) “Medical review committee” means a committee or board that: 19
436407
437- (i) Assist in performing the functions listed in subsection (c) of this
438-section; or
408+ (i) Is within one of the categories described in subsection (b) of this 20
409+section; and 21
439410
440- (ii) Assist a hospital in meeting the requirements of § 19–319(e) of
441-the Health – General Article;
411+ (ii) Performs functions that include at least one of the functions 22
412+listed in subsection (c) of this section. 23
442413
443- (10) A committee appointed by or established in an accredited health
444-occupations school;
414+ (b) For purposes of this section, a medical review committee is: 24
445415
446- (11) An organization described under § 14–501 of this article that contracts
447-with a hospital, related institution, or health maintenance organization to:
416+ (1) A regulatory board or agency established by State or federal law to 25
417+license, certify, or discipline any provider of health care; 26
448418
449- (i) Assist in performing the functions listed in subsection (c) of this
450-section; or
419+ (2) A committee of the Maryland State Medical Society or any of its 27
420+component societies or a committee of any other professional society or association 28
421+composed of providers of health care; 29
422+ 10 SENATE BILL 94
451423
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;
455424
456- (12) An accrediting organization as defined in § 14–501 of this article;
425+ (3) A committee appointed by or established in the Department or a local 1
426+health department for review purposes; 2
457427
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;
461- LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 81
428+ (4) A committee appointed by or established in the Maryland Institute for 3
429+Emergency Medical Services Systems; 4
462430
463-– 11 –
464- (14) A center designated by the Maryland Health Care Commission as the
465-Maryland Patient Safety Center that performs the functions listed in subsection (c)(1) of
466-this section; or
431+ (5) A committee of the medical staff or other committee, including any risk 5
432+management, credentialing, or utilization review committee established in accordance with 6
433+§ 19–319 of the Health – General Article, of a hospital, related institution, or alternative 7
434+health care system, if the governing board of the hospital, related institution, or alternative 8
435+health care system forms and approves the committee or approves the written bylaws under 9
436+which the committee operates; 10
467437
468- (15) The Maryland Health Care Commission or its staff, when performing
469-the functions listed in subsection (c) of this section, provided that the data or medical
470-information under review is furnished to the Maryland Health Care Commission by
471-another medical review committee.
438+ (6) A committee or individual designated by the holder of a pharmacy 11
439+permit, as defined in § 12–101 of this article, that performs the functions listed in 12
440+subsection (c) of this section, as part of a pharmacy’s ongoing quality assurance program; 13
472441
473- (c) For purposes of this section, a medical review committee:
442+ (7) Any person, including a professional standard review organization, who 14
443+contracts with an agency of this State or of the federal government to perform any of the 15
444+functions listed in subsection (c) of this section; 16
474445
475- (1) Evaluates and seeks to improve the quality of health care provided by
476-providers of health care;
446+ (8) Any person who contracts with a provider of health care to perform any 17
447+of those functions listed in subsection (c) of this section that are limited to the review of 18
448+services provided by the provider of health care; 19
477449
478- (2) Evaluates the need for and the level of performance of health care
479-provided by providers of health care;
450+ (9) An organization, established by the Maryland Hospital Association, 20
451+Inc. and the Maryland State Medical Society, that contracts with a hospital, related 21
452+institution, or alternative delivery system to: 22
480453
481- (3) Evaluates the qualifications, competence, and performance of providers
482-of health care; or
454+ (i) Assist in performing the functions listed in subsection (c) of this 23
455+section; or 24
483456
484- (4) Evaluates and acts on matters that relate to the discipline of any
485-provider of health care.
457+ (ii) Assist a hospital in meeting the requirements of § 19–319(e) of 25
458+the Health – General Article; 26
486459
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.
460+ (10) A committee appointed by or established in an accredited health 27
461+occupations school; 28
491462
492- SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
493-October 1, 2022.
463+ (11) An organization described under § 14–501 of this article that contracts 29
464+with a hospital, related institution, or health maintenance organization to: 30
494465
495-Approved by the Governor, April 12, 2022.
466+ (i) Assist in performing the functions listed in subsection (c) of this 31
467+section; or 32
468+
469+ (ii) Assist a health maintenance organization in meeting the 33
470+requirements of Title 19, Subtitle 7 of the Health – General Article, the National Committee 34
471+for Quality Assurance (NCQA), or any other applicable credentialing law or regulation; 35 SENATE BILL 94 11
472+
473+
474+
475+ (12) An accrediting organization as defined in § 14–501 of this article; 1
476+
477+ (13) A Mortality and Quality Review Committee established under § 5–802 2
478+of the Health – General Article or a Morbidity, Mortality, and Quality Review Committee 3
479+established under § 18–107 of the Health – General Article; 4
480+
481+ (14) A center designated by the Maryland Health Care Commission as the 5
482+Maryland Patient Safety Center that performs the functions listed in subsection (c)(1) of 6
483+this section; or 7
484+
485+ (15) The Maryland Health Care Commission or its staff, when performing 8
486+the functions listed in subsection (c) of this section, provided that the data or medical 9
487+information under review is furnished to the Maryland Health Care Commission by 10
488+another medical review committee. 11
489+
490+ (c) For purposes of this section, a medical review committee: 12
491+
492+ (1) Evaluates and seeks to improve the quality of health care provided by 13
493+providers of health care; 14
494+
495+ (2) Evaluates the need for and the level of performance of health care 15
496+provided by providers of health care; 16
497+
498+ (3) Evaluates the qualifications, competence, and performance of providers 17
499+of health care; or 18
500+
501+ (4) Evaluates and acts on matters that relate to the discipline of any 19
502+provider of health care. 20
503+
504+ SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall be construed to 21
505+apply only prospectively to deaths that occur after the effective date of this Act and may 22
506+not be applied or interpreted to have any effect on or application to any deaths that occurred 23
507+before the effective date of this Act. 24
508+
509+ SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect 25
510+October 1, 2022. 26
511+
512+
513+