FINAL BILL REPORT

                                    SB 6296

                                  C 179 L 92

                              SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

Brief Description:  Authorizing infant mortality reviews.

SPONSORS: Senators West, Niemi, Amondson, Stratton, Newhouse, M. Kreidler, Wojahn, Gaspard and Pelz

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG‑TERM CARE

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

BACKGROUND:

It is felt that the rate of infant mortality is unacceptably high in Washington.  Infant mortality reviews may help identify preventable causes of infant mortality so that the causes may be addressed.  Legal protections for the family of the infant, local health department officials and employees, and health care professionals participating in the reviews are likely to encourage the performance of such reviews.

SUMMARY:

All medical records, reports, statements, documents or summaries or analyses of such information used for the purpose of infant mortality reviews authorized by local health departments are confidential as to the identity of the infant and the infant's adoptive or natural parents.  The information cannot be discovered or subpoenaed from the local health department in any administrative, civil or criminal proceeding related to the death of the infant, but it can be discovered or subpoenaed from a health care provider.  No local health department official or employee may be examined as to the existence of the documents assembled for an infant mortality review.   This information is also protected from statutory public disclosure requirements.  However, nothing in the act is to be construed to prohibit or restrict existing child abuse and neglect reporting requirements.

The local health department may publish statistical compilations and reports of infant mortality reviews if the reports do not identify the infants or parents.  These compilations and reports are subject to public disclosure requirements.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

Senate      45    0

House 95    0     (House amended)

Senate      47    0     (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:  April 1, 1992