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HB 2621

An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929, in powers and duties of the Department of Health and its departmental administrative and advisory boards, establishing the Pennsylvania Maternal and Infant Outcome Measures Survey Program.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Borowski and 12 co-sponsors

The bill creates a statewide, PRAMS-style program to collect and publish de-identified data on maternal and infant health to improve outcomes.

Referred to Health & Human Services
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Bill Summary · HB 2621

Overview

HB 2621 (Session 2025-2026, Pennsylvania) establishes the Pennsylvania Maternal and Infant Outcome Measures Survey Program within the Department of Health. The program creates a state population-based data system to monitor and improve maternal and child health, focusing on preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum experiences. The bill authorizes data collection, potential contracting for implementation, data sharing under confidentiality, and publication of de-identified data for public reporting and research.

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a statewide Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS)-style program to collect, analyze, and disseminate maternal and infant outcome data.
  • Improve maternal and child health outcomes in Pennsylvania by understanding behaviors, attitudes, and experiences around preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum periods.
  • Facilitate research and informed policy making through public reporting of de-identified data.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Establishment: Section 2126.1 adds the Pennsylvania Maternal and Infant Outcome Measures Survey Program to The Administrative Code, under the Department of Health.
  • Scope of Data Collection:
    • The Department shall facilitate a survey of individuals who have recently experienced a live birth in Pennsylvania.
    • The survey collects information on preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum behaviors, attitudes, and experiences.
  • Administration and Funding:
    • The Department of Health will administer the program.
    • The Department may use any available funding, including Federal appropriations.
    • The Department may contract with third-party entities to fulfill program requirements.
  • Data Confidentiality and Use:
    • The Department may share data with researchers only if personally identifiable information remains confidential.
    • The Department may publish de-identified survey data in public reports.
    • De-identified data may be used for research purposes.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Public health infrastructure: Department of Health gains a formal program to collect and manage maternal-infant health data.
  • Population: Women who have recently experienced live birth in Pennsylvania are the primary survey population.
  • Researchers: Potential access to de-identified data for analysis and public health research, subject to confidentiality protections.
  • Funders: Use of federal and other funding to implement the survey.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective Date: The act takes effect 60 days after enactment.
  • Implementation Timeline: Not specified in detail; the language authorizes establishment, data collection, and potential contracting and data sharing, implying phased development subject to funding and contracts.
  • Legislative Status: As of the bill’s last action, it has been reported amended by the House Health Committee, with positive consideration noted on June 17, 2026.

Potential Impacts

  • Public Health Monitoring: Enables ongoing, population-based surveillance of maternal and infant health indicators.
  • Policy and Practice: Data-driven insights could inform maternal health programs, preconception care, pregnancy support services, and postpartum resources.
  • Privacy Protections: Emphasis on protecting personally identifiable information while enabling useful de-identified data dissemination.
  • Collaboration: Potential for partnerships with research institutions and other stakeholders through data sharing under confidentiality safeguards.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to similar federal/state PRAMS frameworks to provide context on expected data elements and reporting formats.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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