The Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee (MMMRC) is a 23-member multidisciplinary committee. Chapter 34, Texas Health and Safety Code, Section 34.002, directs the MMMRC to study and review:  

• Cases of pregnancy-related deaths;  
• Trends, rates, or disparities in pregnancy-related deaths and severe maternal morbidity;  
• Health conditions and factors that disproportionately affect the most at-risk populations; and  
• Best practices and programs operating in other states that have reduced rates of deaths related to pregnancy.  

The MMMRC uses standard methods to review identified pregnancy-associated death cases to determine cause of death and pregnancy-relatedness. For deaths determined to be pregnancy-related, the MMMRC builds consensus to determine potential preventability, contributing factors, and actionable recommendations. The MMMRC also studies state trends in maternal morbidity and mortality rates and disparities to aid recommendation development. 

Through this process, the MMMRC develops recommendations to help reduce the incidence of preventable pregnancy-related deaths and severe maternal morbidity in the state. 

A committee member must regularly participate in case review calls and committee meetings. Committee meetings are held in Austin or virtually at least quarterly or at the call of the DSHS Commissioner. In-person meeting participation is strongly encouraged. The MMMRC may also ask members to participate in subcommittee meetings, projects, and presentations. Committee members do not receive reimbursement for travel expenses to participate on the committee. If a member misses three consecutive meetings within a one-year period, with or without notice, the member may be removed from the committee. 

If you are interested in the statewide effort to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities for pregnant and postpartum women in Texas, you might be interested in joining the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee (MMMRC).

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is accepting applications for membership on the MMMRC for the following vacant positions:

• Physician specializing in Critical Care
• Social Worker or Social Service Provider

About the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee

The Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee (MMMRC), was created by Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 34. The MMMRC makes recommendations to the legislature to help reduce the incidence of pregnancy-related deaths and complications in Texas.

The MMMRC uses standard methods to review identified pregnancy-associated death cases to determine cause of death and if the death is pregnancy-related. For deaths determined to be pregnancy-related, the MMMRC builds consensus to determine potential preventability, contributing factors, and actionable recommendations. State trends in maternal morbidity and mortality rates and disparities are also studied.

Through this process, the MMMRC develops recommendations to help reduce the incidence of preventable pregnancy-related deaths and severe maternal morbidity in Texas.

A member must regularly participate in MMMRC meetings and may also have to participate in subcommittee meetings, projects, and presentations. Meetings will be held in Austin at least four times per year or at the call of the DSHS Commissioner. In-person meeting participation is strongly encouraged. Members will not receive compensation for participation or reimbursement for travel. If a member does not attend three consecutive MMMRC meetings within a one-year period with or without notice, the member may be removed from the MMMRC.

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m., December 29, 2025.

The DSHS Commissioner will appoint members to the MMMRC to serve a term of six years or to complete an unexpired term of a current vacancy.

• Application 
• Application Letter

Please submit the completed application with supporting documents by email, mail, or fax.

Email: MaternalHealth@dshs.texas.gov 

Mail:
Department of State Health Services
PO Box 149347 
Mail Code 1922
Austin, TX 78714-9347
Attn: Shruthi Arismendez, PhD

Fax: 512-776-7658
Attn: Shruthi Arismendez, PhD

DSHS will notify applicants if they have been selected once the solicitation process is complete.

The agency does not discriminate against applicants and members of the Department of State Health Services advisory committees on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, religion, age or sex.

To Learn More

For more information about the MMMRC or the application process, contact Shruthi Arismendez at MaternalHealth@dshs.texas.gov.

DSHS posts future and past Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee (MMMRC) meeting materials and information.

Below are the future public meeting dates, venue, and agenda. DSHS posts meeting agendas when they become available.

*Dates and venue are subject to change.

Below are the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee (MMMRC) approved minutes and webcast links for past meetings. The first public meeting of the MMMRC was held on Friday, Sept. 29, 2017.