as introduced - 87th Legislature (2011 - 2012) Posted on 04/20/2012 09:31am
A bill for an act
relating to health; requiring screening of newborns for critical congenital heart
disease; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 144.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
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(a) Each licensed hospital or state-licensed birthing center or facility that provides
maternity and newborn care services shall provide screening for critical congenital heart
disease (CCHD) to all newborns prior to discharge using pulse oximetry screening or other
appropriate screening protocols for CCHD as established by the Minnesota Department of
Health. This screening must be done no sooner than 24 hours after birth, unless earlier
screening is deemed clinically appropriate, but always prior to discharge from the nursery.
If discharge or transport of the newborn occurs prior to 24 hours after birth, screening
must occur as close as possible to the time of discharge or transport. For premature infants
who are less than 36 weeks of gestation and newborns admitted to a higher level nursery
such as special care or intensive care, screening must be performed when medically
appropriate prior to discharge. Any newborn that fails the screening must be referred
to a licensed physician who shall arrange follow-up diagnostic testing and medically
appropriate treatment prior to discharge from the hospital.
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(b) The commissioner shall adopt any necessary rules to implement the requirements
in this section.
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This section is effective the day following final enactment.
Screening shall take effect 180 days following final enactment or by December 31, 2012,
whichever is sooner.
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