Public Health & Safety Division             

Fetal Infant Child Mortality Review (FICMR)

Montana Fetal, Infant and Child Mortality Review
A summary of mortality reviews conducted in 2005 and 2006 - May 2009

What is FICMR?
 
Fetal, Infant and Child Mortality Review (FICMR) is a statewide effort to reduce preventable fetal, infant and child deaths by making recommendations based on lessons learned from reviews of the deaths. This process was authorized in statute (MCA 50-19-401 through 50-19-406) in 1997.

The prevention of fetal, infant, and child deaths is both the policy of the state of Montana and a community responsibility. The death of an infant or child can be viewed as a sentinel event that is a measure of a community=s overall social and economic well-being and health. The FICMR process identifies critical community strengths and weaknesses as well as unique health/social issues associated with poor outcomes.

How Does FICMR Work? 
The FICMR process brings together a multi-disciplinary team of community members to review de-identified, fetal, infant and child deaths. This community level team examines the case summary, identifies issues and makes recommendations for community or statewide change, if appropriate.

Who Takes Part on the FICMR Review Team? 
The community level review team is composed of health, social service, law enforcement, coroners, and other experts. Membership of the state level FICMR team mirrors the membership of the local FICMR teams.

Purpose of the State FICMR Team? 
The State FICMR team assists the local community teams identify, address and potentially decrease the numbers of preventable deaths by making recommendations for needed policy or legislative changes, examining statewide trends and issues, and broadly supporting prevention activities at the state and local level.

Confidentiality 
Confidentiality of all information is strictly maintained and is addressed in statute. A review team member who knowingly uses information obtained in the review process for a purpose not authorized or who discloses information in violation of the FICMR statute, and upon conviction, is guilty of a misdemeanor which is punishable as provided in the law.

For additional information contact
Debra Rapaport , RN
(406) 444-3394