Bill > H4445

This bill amends Chapter 38 of the general laws to allow authorized local health agencies to conduct in-depth fetal and infant mortality reviews. These agencies will be able to collect relevant data from various sources, including medical records, to identify local factors associated with fetal and infant deaths and inform public health policy programs. The Department of Public Health will establish a process for designating authorized local health agencies and may provide guidance on the review process, which may be based on the National Fetal and Infant Mortality Review Program. All data and records created or maintained through these reviews will be confidential and not subject to public records or legal proceedings.