(a) There is established a maternal mortality review committee within the department to conduct a comprehensive, multidisciplinary review of maternal deaths for purposes of identifying factors associated with maternal death and making recommendations to reduce maternal deaths.

(b) The cochairpersons of the maternal mortality review committee shall be the Commissioner of Public Health, or the commissioner’s designee, and a representative designated by the Connecticut State Medical Society. The cochairpersons shall convene a meeting of the maternal mortality review committee upon the request of the Commissioner of Public Health.

(c) The maternal mortality review committee may include, but need not be limited to, any of the following members, as needed, depending on the maternal death case being reviewed:

(1) A physician licensed pursuant to chapter 370 who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology, appointed by the Connecticut State Medical Society;

(2) A physician licensed pursuant to chapter 370 who is a pediatrician, appointed by the Connecticut State Medical Society;

(3) A community health worker, appointed by the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity;

(4) A nurse-midwife licensed pursuant to chapter 377, appointed by the Connecticut Nurses Association;

(5) A clinical social worker licensed pursuant to chapter 383b, appointed by the Connecticut chapter of the National Association of Social Workers;

(6) A psychiatrist licensed pursuant to chapter 370, appointed by the Connecticut Psychiatric Society;

(7) A psychologist licensed pursuant to chapter 20-136, appointed by the Connecticut Psychological Association;

(8) The Chief Medical Examiner, or the Chief Medical Examiner’s designee;

(9) A member of the Connecticut Hospital Association;

(10) A representative of a community or regional program or facility providing services for persons with psychiatric disabilities or persons with substance use disorders, appointed by the Commissioner of Public Health;

(11) A representative of The University of Connecticut-sponsored health disparities institute; or

(12) Any additional member the cochairpersons determine would be beneficial to serve as a member of the committee.

(d) Whenever a meeting of the maternal mortality review committee takes place, the committee shall consult with relevant experts to evaluate the information and findings obtained from the department pursuant to § 19a-59h and make recommendations regarding the prevention of maternal deaths. Not later than ninety days after such meeting, the committee shall report, to the Commissioner of Public Health, any recommendations and findings of the committee in a manner that complies with § 19a-25.

(e) Not later than January 1, 2022, and annually thereafter, the maternal mortality review committee shall submit a report of disaggregated data, in accordance with the provisions of § 19a-25, regarding the information and findings obtained through the committee’s investigation process to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health, in accordance with the provisions of § 11-4a. Such report may include recommendations to reduce or eliminate racial inequities and other public health concerns regarding maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity in the state.

(f) All information provided by the department to the maternal mortality review committee shall be subject to the provisions of § 19a-25.

(g) Not later than January 1, 2023, the maternal mortality review committee shall develop educational materials regarding:

(1) The health and safety of pregnant and postpartum persons with mental health disorders, including, but not limited to, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, for distribution by the Department of Public Health to each birthing hospital in the state. As used in this subdivision, “birthing hospital” means a health care facility, as defined in § 19a-630, operated and maintained in whole or in part for the purpose of caring for patients during the delivery of a child and for a postpartum person and such person’s newborn following birth;

(2) Evidence-based screening tools for screening patients for intimate partner violence, peripartum mood disorders and substance use disorder for distribution by the Department of Public Health to obstetricians and other health care providers who practice obstetrics; and

(3) Indicators of intimate partner violence for distribution by the Department of Public Health to (A) hospitals for use by health care providers in the emergency department and hospital social workers, and (B) obstetricians and other health care providers who practice obstetrics.