(1) As used in this section, the term “department” means the Department of Health.
(2) The department shall contract with local healthy start coalitions for the creation of fetal and infant mortality review committees in all regions of the state to improve fetal and infant mortality and morbidity in each region. Each committee shall:(a) Review and analyze rates, trends, causes, and other data related to fetal and infant mortality and morbidity in a geographic area.
(b) Develop findings and recommendations for interventions and policy changes to reduce fetal and infant mortality and morbidity rates.
(c) Engage with local communities and stakeholders to implement recommended policies and procedures to reduce fetal and infant mortality and morbidity.
(3) Each local healthy start coalition shall report the findings and recommendations developed by each fetal and infant mortality review committee to the department annually. Beginning October 1, 2023, the department shall compile such findings and recommendations in an annual report, which must be submitted to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
(4) The department may adopt rules necessary to implement this section.