Bill > S06717

This bill establishes fetal and infant mortality review boards at both the state and New York City levels to systematically study and address infant and fetal deaths and serious health complications. The boards will be composed of nine multidisciplinary experts representing diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, who will review individual cases of fetal and infant deaths and severe health complications. These review boards will collect and analyze detailed information from various sources like medical records, death certificates, and voluntary statements from families, with strict confidentiality protections to ensure no personal identifying information is shared. Their primary responsibilities include identifying causes of deaths, developing strategies to reduce mortality and morbidity, addressing systemic health disparities, recommending policy improvements, and issuing annual public reports. Importantly, the information gathered cannot be used in legal proceedings against families or healthcare providers, ensuring open and frank review. The boards will focus on understanding contributing factors to infant mortality, particularly those related to racial, economic, and systemic inequities, with the ultimate goal of developing comprehensive strategies to improve infant and fetal health outcomes across New York State and New York City.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6717