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HB 1143

Public Health - Office of the Chief Medical Examiner - Perinatal Autopsies (Lung Float Test Ban)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tiffany Alston and 30 co-sponsors

Maryland bill prohibits lung float test in newborn autopsies, replacing outdated breath-detection method with modern scientific alternatives to improve investigation accuracy.

Hearing 3/26 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 1143

Legislative bill overview

HB 1143 would prohibit the use of the lung float test (hydrostatic test) in perinatal autopsies conducted by Maryland's Chief Medical Examiner. The lung float test, a traditional method used to determine whether a newborn breathed after birth, would be replaced with more modern scientific techniques for establishing cause of death in perinatal cases.

Why is this important

The lung float test has faced scientific scrutiny for decades due to reliability concerns—factors like decomposition, certain medical conditions, and resuscitation efforts can produce false results. Eliminating this outdated procedure could improve accuracy in perinatal death investigations, potentially affecting how families understand causes of death and how medical negligence cases are evaluated in court.

Potential points of contention

  • Scientific transition: Questions about what specific alternative testing methods would replace the lung float test and whether examiners have adequate training in those methods
  • Legal precedent: Existing court cases and legal arguments may have relied on lung float test evidence; removal could create ambiguity about past determinations
  • Implementation timeline: Unclear whether the ban is immediate or includes a transition period for staff training and protocol development

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

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