Relates to information sharing between the state board of maternal mortality and morbidity review, the New York city department of health and mental hygiene…

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Siela Bynoe says this is needed

According tc a June 4, 2024 issue brief from the_Commonwealth Fund, "The United States continues to have the highest rate of maternal deaths of any high-income nation, despite a decline since the COVID-19 pandemic." Maternal mortality is a rate which measures the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. In 2022, the United States had approxi- mately 22 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births. This rate carries stark demographic discrepancies within the U.S., as maternal mortality is lowest for Asian American women and highest for Black women. These trends also persist in New York. As of 2022, the New York State Department of Health reported that the maternal mortality rate was 22.4. Similarly, on Long Island, the maternal mortality rates in that same year were 12.1 and 19.3 in Nassau County and Suffolk Coun- ty,respectively. Currently, maternal mortality review boards in the state are required to issue reports on their findings and recommendations every two years. This lag in information sharing has created a gap in data possessed by the state's maternal mortality review boards, the New York City Depart- ment of Health and Mental Hygiene, and county health departments that makes it more difficult for the latter two to process current data, monitor trends, and develop updated best practices and strategies to prevent cases of maternal mortality and morbidity with timeliness. As maternal mortality and morbidity prove to be prevalent issues, this bill would ensure that health officials at every level of government in New York state gain and maintain access to the same. information, including that which is both current and accurate, in a timely manner. With this knowledge, the state's maternal mortality review boards, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and county health departments will be better suited to improve maternal and infant outcomes across the state, especially for those groups who are at great- er risk.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.