Code of Maine Rules
10 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
144 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - GENERAL
Chapter 700 - RULES RELATING TO THE MAINE MATERNAL AND INFANT MORTALITY REVIEW PANEL
Section 144-700-4.0 - RESPONSIBILITies OF PANEL COORDINATOR

4.1The Panel Coordinator has the following duties and powers pursuant to 22 M.R.S.A. §261(4):

The Panel Coordinator may appoint suitable persons as Designees to perform or assist with the duties of the Panel Coordinator. Any Designee appointed by the Panel Coordinator shall possess sufficient experience and/or training to conduct the activity and shall operate at all times under the direct supervision of the Panel Coordinator.

The Panel Coordinator or designee(s) shall maintain a central registry of statewide organizations dedicated to improving the health of mothers and infants by preventing birth defects, premature births, and maternal and infant mortality

The Panel Coordinator or designee(s) shall review the deaths of all women, currently residents of Maine, who die during pregnancy or within 42 days of giving birth. Should the Panel Coordinator determine that medical record review is necessary for selected cases, the Panel Coordinator shall first obtain written consent in accordance with state and federal law for that review from the family, no sooner than four months after the date of death.

The Panel Coordinator or designee(s) shall review the majority of cases in which a fetal death occurs after 28 weeks of gestation when not the result of an abortion and in which the mother is currently a resident of Maine. Should the Panel Coordinator determine that medical record review is necessary for selected cases, the Panel Coordinator shall first obtain written consent in accordance with state and federal law for that review from the family, no sooner than four months after the date of death.

The Panel Coordinator or designee(s) shall review a majority of infant deaths and determine the selection of cases based on the need to review particular causes of deaths or to obtain a representative sample of all infant deaths. Should the Panel Coordinator determine that medical record review is necessary for selected cases, the Panel Coordinator shall first obtain written consent in accordance with state and federal law for that review from the family, no sooner than four months after the date of death.

The Panel Coordinator or designee(s) shall prepare a summary of relevant information regarding the case, removing any identifying information prior to case presentation, and shall not release, furnish, disclose, publish, or otherwise disseminate any identifying information.

The Panel Coordinator or designee(s) may conduct voluntary interviews with the of a deceased mother, fetus and/or infant, subject to the requirements of 22 M.R.S.A. §261(4)(D).

The Panel Coordinator or designee(s) shall inform any interested parties of the purpose and function of the Panel.