Texas Senate Bill SB59

Texas 2017 - 85th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to pregnancy-related deaths and maternal morbidity and the creation of a maternal health care quality improvement program.

Impact

The implementation of SB59 is expected to have a significant positive impact on maternal health in Texas. By providing healthcare providers with comprehensive materials and guidelines, the program aims to standardize care practices and improve the training received by medical personnel. The proposed reporting mechanism, which requires assessments of the program’s effectiveness and feasibility, adds a layer of accountability and continuous improvement. Thus, this bill seeks not only to raise awareness about maternal health issues but also to integrate systematic improvements into healthcare practices across the state.

Summary

SB59 is a legislative act aimed at addressing pregnancy-related deaths and maternal morbidity through the establishment of a maternal health care quality improvement program in Texas. The bill mandates the Texas commission, department, and task force to develop and distribute maternal safety informational materials to healthcare providers. This includes guidelines and resources aimed at enhancing the healthcare response to preventable causes of death among pregnant and postpartum women. The intent is to ensure that healthcare providers are equipped with the best practices in maternal health care for improved outcomes.

Contention

While the bill is focused on enhancing maternal healthcare, potential points of contention may arise concerning the resources allocated for its implementation and the degree of compliance required from healthcare providers. Questions may be raised about whether the state can effectively monitor and enforce adherence to the new guidelines without overburdening healthcare facilities or limiting access to care services. Furthermore, discussions around the adequacy of training and the dissemination of these materials could indicate varied responses from different stakeholders, especially within the healthcare community.