HF 1123

as introduced - 87th Legislature (2011 - 2012) Posted on 03/14/2011 11:11am

A bill for an act
relating to health; establishing a task force on prematurity.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin MINNESOTA TASK FORCE ON PREMATURITY.
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new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment. new text end

new text begin The Minnesota Task Force on Prematurity is
established to evaluate and make recommendations on methods for reducing prematurity
and improving premature infant health care in the state.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Membership; meetings; staff. new text end

new text begin (a) The task force shall be composed of at
least the following members, who serve at the pleasure of their appointing authority:
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new text begin (1) 15 representatives of the Minnesota Prematurity Coalition including, but not
limited to, health care providers who treat pregnant women or neonates, organizations
focused on preterm births, early childhood education and development professionals, and
families affected by prematurity;
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new text begin (2) one representative appointed by the commissioner of human services;
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new text begin (3) two representatives appointed by the commissioner of health;
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new text begin (4) one representative appointed by the commissioner of education;
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new text begin (5) two members of the house of representatives, one appointed by the speaker of the
house of representatives and one appointed by the minority leader; and
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new text begin (6) two members of the senate, appointed according to the rules of the senate.
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new text begin (b) Members of the task force serve without compensation or payment of expenses.
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new text begin (c) The commissioner of health must convene the first meeting of the Minnesota
Task Force on Prematurity by July 31, 2011. The task force must continue to meet at
least quarterly. Staffing and technical assistance shall be provided by the Minnesota
Perinatal Coalition.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Duties. new text end

new text begin The task force must report the current state of prematurity in
Minnesota and develop recommendations on strategies for reducing prematurity and
improving premature infant health care in the state by considering the following:
new text end

new text begin (1) standards of care for premature infants born less than 37 weeks gestational age,
including recommendations to improve hospital discharge and follow-up care procedures;
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new text begin (2) coordination of information among appropriate professional and advocacy
organizations on measures to improve health care for infants born prematurely;
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new text begin (3) identification and centralization of available resources to improve access and
awareness for caregivers of premature infants;
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new text begin (4) development and dissemination of evidence-based practices through networking
and educational opportunities;
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new text begin (5) a review of relevant evidence-based research regarding the causes and effects of
premature births in Minnesota;
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new text begin (6) a review of relevant evidence-based research regarding premature infant health
care, including methods for improving quality of and access to care for premature infants;
and
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new text begin (7) identification of gaps in public reporting measures and possible effects of these
measures on prematurity rates.
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new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Report; expiration. new text end

new text begin (a) By November 30, 2011, the task force must submit
a report on the current state of prematurity in Minnesota to the chairs of the legislative
policy committees on health and human services.
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new text begin (b) By January 15, 2013, the task force must report its final recommendations,
including any draft legislation necessary for implementation, to the chairs of the legislative
policy committees on health and human services.
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new text begin (c) This task force expires on January 31, 2013, or upon submission of the final
report required in paragraph (b), whichever is earlier.
new text end