The bill aims to modernize the child fatality statute in Washington State by amending RCW 70.05.170. It raises the age limit for child fatality reviews from under eighteen to under nineteen years of age and changes the terminology from "child mortality" to "child fatality." The legislation emphasizes the importance of conducting child fatality reviews to identify preventable causes of child deaths and provides legal protections for families, health department officials, and healthcare professionals involved in these reviews.

Additionally, the bill allows local health departments to retain identifiable information for trend analysis and quality improvement while ensuring that such information remains confidential and not subject to public disclosure. It mandates that various entities, including healthcare providers and law enforcement, must provide necessary data for child fatality reviews. The bill also clarifies that the department can publish statistical reports related to child fatality reviews, provided that individual case identifiers are redacted. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the effectiveness of child fatality reviews and improve child health outcomes in Washington State.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70.05.170
Substitute Bill: 70.05.170
Engrossed Substitute: 70.05.170