Sec. 10.11.06.06. Committee Duties

A. To achieve its purpose, the Committee shall:

(1) Provide consultation to FIMR teams and other MMQR teams;

(2) Conduct confidential and anonymous case reviews of morbidity and mortality associated with pregnancy, childbirth, infancy, and early childhood;

(3) Undertake annual statistical analysis of the incidence and cause of morbidity and mortality related to pregnancy, childbirth, infancy, and early childhood;

(4) Monitor hospital compliance with the Maryland Perinatal System Standards by:

(a) Reviewing documents requested of the hospital in writing or by conducting on-site reviews, or by both; and

(b) Making recommendations to improve or facilitate compliance; and

(5) Determine factors contributing to morbidity and mortality, and make recommendations for strategies to prevent and reduce morbidity and mortality related to pregnancy, childbirth, infancy, and early childhood throughout the State, including recommendations for changes to law, policy, or practice to prevent and reduce morbidity and mortality and improve the system of care.

B. The Committee may:

(1) Evaluate the continued effectiveness and efficiency of the Statewide morbidity, mortality, and quality review process associated with pregnancy, childbirth, infancy, and early childhood and make or recommend appropriate changes as necessary;

(2) Establish special panels or ad hoc subcommittees of the Committee as necessary to carry out the duties of the Committee;

(3) Analyze data and review reports or other information from:

(a) FIMR teams;

(b) Other MMQR teams; or

(c) Other entities which are established for the purpose of addressing an aspect of morbidity, mortality, or quality reviews associated with pregnancy, childbirth, infancy, or early childhood;

(4) Develop protocols for data collection regarding morbidity and mortality related to pregnancy, childbirth, infancy, and early childhood;

(5) Examine the policies and procedures of State and local agencies, hospitals, and other entities that participate in the system of care;

(6) Review specific cases regarding pregnancy, childbirth, infancy, or early childhood that the Committee considers necessary to perform its duties; and

(7) Coordinate its activities with other State agencies in order to avoid unnecessary duplication of effort.