85R9465 DMS-D     By: Thierry H.B. No. 2403       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to a study concerning maternal mortality and morbidity in   the state's African American population.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  (a)  The Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task   Force, within the Department of State Health Services, shall   conduct a study to evaluate the causes of maternal mortality and   morbidity in the state's African American population. The study   must evaluate health conditions that disproportionately affect the   African American population, including:                (1)  cardiac health conditions;                (2)  eclampsia;                (3)  hypertensive disorders;                (4)  obesity; and                (5)  stress-related health conditions.          (b)  The study must compare rates of maternal mortality and   morbidity based on the socioeconomic status and level of education   of the mother.          (c)  At the conclusion of the study, the Maternal Mortality   and Morbidity Task Force shall develop recommendations on:                (1)  reducing the incidence of pregnancy-related   deaths and severe maternal morbidity;                (2)  patient outreach and education;                (3)  health care provider training;                (4)  best practices that have been identified as   successful in reducing maternal mortality and morbidity; and                (5)  programs operating in other states that have   reduced maternal mortality and morbidity rates.          (d)  The Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force shall   include a written report that summarizes the study's findings and   the task force's recommendations in the biennial report required   under Section 34.015, Health and Safety Code, to be submitted not   later than September 1, 2018.          SECTION 2.  This Act expires December 31, 2018.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives   a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as   provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this   Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this   Act takes effect September 1, 2017.