The proposed bill updates current statutes by establishing the Maternal Mortality Review Program (MMR Program) to assess pregnancy-associated deaths in Arizona, transferring this responsibility from the State Child Fatality Review Team. It modifies the chapter heading from "CHILD FATALITIES" to "CHILD AND MATERNAL DEATHS" and the article heading from "GENERAL PROVISIONS" to "CHILD FATALITIES AND MATERNAL MORTALITY." The bill also removes the requirement for local child fatality review team chairpersons to review death certificates of women who die within their jurisdiction, thereby streamlining the review process.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions for the MMR Program, including the establishment of a maternal mortality review committee with defined membership requirements, the development of a data collection system, and the production of biennial statistical reports. It clarifies the definition of "pregnancy-associated death," ensures confidentiality during reviews, and protects committee members from civil or criminal liability regarding shared information. Overall, these updates aim to enhance the state's approach to evaluating and preventing maternal fatalities.

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
Chaptered Version: 36-3501, 36-3501.01, 36-3502, 36-3503, 8-807.01, 36-3506