Oklahoma Senate Bill SB399

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Maternal mortality; reducing membership of Maternal Mortality Review Committee; requiring certain reporting and investigation of maternal deaths. Effective date.

Impact

The new requirements for hospitals will ensure a more systematic investigation of maternal deaths, which proponents argue could lead to better understanding and prevention of these tragic occurrences. This bill addresses a pressing public health concern, aiming to improve maternal healthcare outcomes across the state. It empowers the Maternal Mortality Review Committee to investigate a broader range of maternal deaths, thereby facilitating the collection of valuable data that can inform future health policies and interventions. The legislative change intends to enhance accountability and oversight in maternal healthcare services in Oklahoma.

Summary

Senate Bill 399 aims to amend existing laws related to maternal mortality in Oklahoma by restructuring the Maternal Mortality Review Committee and enhancing the reporting requirements for maternal deaths. The bill reduces the membership of the committee from twenty-five to twenty-four, modifying the composition to ensure that it includes representatives with relevant training and experience related to maternal health. Notably, it mandates that hospitals or licensed birthing centers report any maternal death that occurs during pregnancy or within one year of terminating a pregnancy to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner within seventy-two hours, highlighting a proactive approach to monitoring and addressing maternal health issues.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the effectiveness of reducing the committee’s membership and whether this will impact the diverse expertise needed to adequately address maternal mortality. Critics might question if the changes will truly lead to improved outcomes or if they are merely bureaucratic adjustments. Some stakeholders may express concerns about the implications of mandatory reporting on healthcare providers, especially in rural areas where access to maternal health services may already be limited. Thus, while the intention of the bill is to enhance public health, the execution and implications of these changes will need to be closely monitored.