H.B. No. 3121 aims to improve maternal health outcomes in Texas by amending the Health and Safety Code to introduce new definitions and protocols for reviewing maternal health outcomes. The bill defines "pregnancy-associated death" as deaths occurring during or within one year of delivery and modifies the definition of "pregnancy-related death" to include various pregnancy-related factors. It redefines the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force as the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee, clarifying that members will not receive compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses. The bill emphasizes the confidentiality of maternal death and severe morbidity information while allowing voluntary reporting by healthcare providers and family members.

Additionally, the bill establishes a maternal mortality and morbidity data registry to collect and analyze maternal health data, with a focus on improving care quality and reducing mortality rates. It mandates the creation of a work group to advise on the registry's development and requires the Texas Department of Health to prepare a report with recommendations by September 1, 2026. The bill also introduces a medical assistance program for doula services, with the executive commissioner setting qualifications and covered services. Furthermore, it mandates a study on maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women, comparing rates across demographics and assessing the impact of social determinants of health, with findings and recommendations due by September 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 34.001, Health and Safety Code 34.002, Health and Safety Code 34.008, Health and Safety Code 34.009, Health and Safety Code 34.014, Health and Safety Code 34.017 (Health and Safety Code 34)