Iowa Admin. Code r. 641-5.3

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 11, December 11, 2024

Rule 641-5.3 - Reviewing of maternal deaths

Hospitals, physicians, and other licensed health care professionals shall provide to the department of public health clinical records pertinent to the review of individual maternal deaths. The release of these materials is a confidential and privileged communication, and no liability shall be attached to the release. Neither the released information nor reports generated from that information shall be allowed in any legal proceedings, pursuant to Iowa Code section 135.42. The department of public health shall ensure a timely, confidential review of all maternal deaths by experts in obstetric medicine and maternal mortality for the purpose of reducing morbidity and mortality. At least every three years, the department shall issue occasional reports on the causes and contributing factors of maternal deaths and recommendations of possible preventive strategies based on those reviews.