85R9465 DMS-D
	By: Thierry	H.B. No. 2403

	A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
	AN ACT
	relating to a study concerning maternal mortality and morbidity in
	the state's African American population.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
	SECTION 1.  (a)  The Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task
	Force, within the Department of State Health Services, shall
	conduct a study to evaluate the causes of maternal mortality and
	morbidity in the state's African American population. The study
	must evaluate health conditions that disproportionately affect the
	African American population, including:
	(1)  cardiac health conditions;
	(2)  eclampsia;
	(3)  hypertensive disorders;
	(4)  obesity; and
	(5)  stress-related health conditions.
	(b)  The study must compare rates of maternal mortality and
	morbidity based on the socioeconomic status and level of education
	of the mother.
	(c)  At the conclusion of the study, the Maternal Mortality
	and Morbidity Task Force shall develop recommendations on:
	(1)  reducing the incidence of pregnancy-related
	deaths and severe maternal morbidity;
	(2)  patient outreach and education;
	(3)  health care provider training;
	(4)  best practices that have been identified as
	successful in reducing maternal mortality and morbidity; and
	(5)  programs operating in other states that have
	reduced maternal mortality and morbidity rates.
	(d)  The Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force shall
	include a written report that summarizes the study's findings and
	the task force's recommendations in the biennial report required
	under Section 34.015, Health and Safety Code, to be submitted not
	later than September 1, 2018.
	SECTION 2.  This Act expires December 31, 2018.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
	a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
	provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
	Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
	Act takes effect September 1, 2017.