(a) There is established a maternal mortality review committee within the department to conduct a comprehensive, multidisciplinary review of maternal deaths for purposes of identifying factors associated with maternal death and making recommendations to reduce maternal deaths.

(b) The cochairpersons of the maternal mortality review committee shall be the Commissioner of Public Health, or the commissioner's designee, and a representative designated by the Connecticut State Medical Society. The cochairpersons shall convene a meeting of the maternal mortality review committee upon the request of the Commissioner of Public Health.

(c) The maternal mortality review committee may include, but not be limited to, any of the following members, as needed, depending on the maternal death case being reviewed:

(1) A physician licensed pursuant to chapter 370 who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology, appointed by the Connecticut State Medical Society;

(2) A physician licensed pursuant to chapter 370 who is a pediatrician, appointed by the Connecticut State Medical Society;

(3) A community health worker, appointed by the Commission on Equity and Opportunity;

(4) A nurse-midwife licensed pursuant to chapter 377, appointed by the Connecticut Nurses Association;

(5) A clinical social worker licensed pursuant to chapter 383b, appointed by the Connecticut Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers;

(6) A psychiatrist licensed pursuant to chapter 370, appointed by the Connecticut Psychiatric Society;

(7) A psychologist licensed pursuant to chapter 20-136, appointed by the Connecticut Psychological Association;

(8) The Chief Medical Examiner, or the Chief Medical Examiner's designee;

(9) A member of the Connecticut Hospital Association;

(10) A representative of a community or regional program or facility providing services for persons with psychiatric disabilities or persons with substance use disorders, appointed by the Commissioner of Public Health;

(11) A representative of The University of Connecticut-sponsored health disparities institute; or

(12) Any additional member the cochairpersons determine would be beneficial to serve as a member of the committee.

(d) Whenever a meeting of the maternal mortality review committee takes place, the committee shall consult with relevant experts to evaluate the information and findings obtained from the department pursuant to section 19a-59h and make recommendations regarding the prevention of maternal deaths. Not later than ninety days after such meeting, the committee shall report, to the Commissioner of Public Health, any recommendations and findings of the committee in a manner that complies with section 19a-25.

(e) All information provided by the department to the maternal mortality review committee shall be subject to the provisions of section 19a-25.

(P.A. 18-150, S. 3.)