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HB 1398

Fetal and Infant Mortality Review Team; established, penalty, report.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bonita Anthony

Virginia establishes a Fetal and Infant Mortality Review Team to investigate preventable deaths and improve maternal-neonatal health outcomes through systematic case analysis and reporting.

Subcommittee recommends reporting with amendment(s) and referring to Appropriations (7-Y 1-N)
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Bill Summary · HB 1398

Legislative bill overview

HB 1398 establishes a Fetal and Infant Mortality Review Team in Virginia tasked with investigating and analyzing cases of fetal deaths, stillbirths, and infant deaths to identify preventable causes and systemic issues. The bill requires comprehensive reporting on findings and includes provisions for penalties related to non-compliance or obstruction of the review process.

Why is this important

Fetal and infant mortality are significant public health indicators that reveal disparities in maternal and neonatal care. By creating a systematic review mechanism, Virginia aims to identify preventable deaths, improve clinical practices, and potentially reduce mortality rates—particularly important given documented racial and socioeconomic disparities in these outcomes across the country.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy and liability concerns: Medical professionals and hospitals may resist the review process due to fears that findings could expose them to litigation, malpractice claims, or disciplinary action, even if participation is intended to be confidential and non-punitive.
  • Resource and implementation costs: The fiscal impact statement indicates budget implications; funding requirements for staffing, training, and infrastructure to conduct thorough reviews may strain existing state resources.
  • Scope and authority limitations: Questions may arise about what "penalty" provisions entail, who enforces them, how the team accesses medical records, and whether protections exist for providers acting in good faith.

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

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