MD HB1143

Prohibits the Chief Medical Examiner, deputy and assistant medical examiners, and authorized pathologists from using hydrostatic lung tests (lung float tests) when performing perinatal autopsies to determine whether a death was a stillbirth or occurred after a live birth

Authorizes parents, guardians, or legal representatives of the autopsy subject to bring civil action against medical examiners or pathologists who violate the lung float test prohibition

Adds violation of the lung float test ban as grounds for physician discipline, allowing a disciplinary panel to reprimand, place on probation, or suspend or revoke the license of a physician who violates the provision

Takes effect October 1, 2026