The proposed bill updates current statutes by establishing the Maternal Mortality Review Program (MMR Program) to take over the evaluation of pregnancy-associated deaths in Arizona from the State Child Fatality Review Team. It introduces new provisions, including the formation of a maternal mortality review committee with specific membership requirements and responsibilities, and mandates the production of biennial reports on maternal fatalities. The bill also changes the chapter heading from "CHILD FATALITIES" to "CHILD AND MATERNAL DEATHS" and the article heading from "GENERAL PROVISIONS" to "CHILD FATALITIES AND MATERNAL MORTALITY," thereby reflecting the expanded focus on maternal mortality.

Additionally, the bill removes the requirement for local child fatality review teams to review death certificates of women in their jurisdiction and eliminates the definition of "maternal fatalities associated with pregnancy." It introduces a new definition for "pregnancy-associated death" and makes various technical adjustments to existing statutes. The bill emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed practices for team members when interacting with affected families, ensuring they are trained in appropriate interview techniques and aware of available support services. Overall, these changes aim to enhance the state's capacity to address maternal mortality through structured review and analysis.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-3501, 36-3501.01, 36-3502, 36-3503, 8-807.01, 36-3506
Senate Engrossed Version: 36-3501, 36-3501.01, 36-3502, 36-3503, 8-807.01, 36-3506