Maryland legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Maryland HB1143: Public Health - Office of the Chief Medical Examiner - Perinatal Autopsies (Lung Float Test Ban)
Status: In committee, March 23, 2026
Prohibiting, for a certain period of time, the Chief Medical Examiner, deputy chief medical examiners, assistant medical examiners, and pathologists authorized by the Chief Medical Examiner from using a hydrostatic lung test, also known as a lung float test, if performing a certain perinatal autopsy; and requiring the Maryland Department of Health to report, by December 1, 2027, to certain committees of the General Assembly on the usefulness and efficacy of the hydrostatic lung test and certain recommendations.
What the bill says
An act concerning Public Health - Office of the Chief Medical Examiner - Perinatal Autopsies (Lung Float Test Ban) FOR the purpose of prohibiting, for a certain period of time, the Chief Medical Examiner, deputy chief medical examiners, assistant medical examiners, and pathologists authorized by the Chief Medical Examiner from using a hydrostatic lung test, also known as a lung float test, if performing a certain perinatal autopsy; authorizing a parent, guardian, or legal representative to bring a civil action for a violation of certain provisions of this Act…
From the engrossed text, March 19, 2026:
AN ACT concerning Public Health - Office of the Chief Medical Examiner - Perinatal Autopsies (Lung Float Test Ban) FOR the purpose of prohibiting, for a certain period of time, the Chief Medical Examiner, deputy chief medical examiners, assistant medical examiners, and pathologists authorized by the Chief Medical Examiner from using a hydrostatic lung test, also known as a lung float test, if performing a certain perinatal autopsy; authorizing a parent, guardian, or legal representative to bring a civil action for a violation of certain provisions of this Act; altering the grounds for discipline of a physician to include a violation of certain provisions of this Act requiring the Maryland Department of Health to submit a certain report on the usefulness and efficacy of the test and recommendations as to whether it continues to be needed as an autopsy tool; and generally relating to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and perinatal autopsies. BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article - Criminal Procedure Section 11-1010(b) Annotated Code of Maryland (2025 Replacement Volume) EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MATTER ADDED TO EXISTING LAW. [Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law. Underlining indicates amendments to bill. Strike out indicates matter stricken from the bill by amendment or deleted from the law by amendment. *hb1143* HOUSE BILL 1143 BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, …