Minnesota Session Laws - 2010, Regular Session

CHAPTER 348--S.F.No. 2695

An act

relating to health; modifying mandatory reporting requirements related to pregnant women;

amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 626.5561, subdivision 1.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 626.5561, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Reports required.

new text begin (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), new text end a person mandated to report under section 626.556, subdivision 3, shall immediately report to the local welfare agency if the person knows or has reason to believe that a woman is pregnant and has used a controlled substance for a nonmedical purpose during the pregnancy, including, but not limited to, tetrahydrocannabinol, or has consumed alcoholic beverages during the pregnancy in any way that is habitual or excessive.

new text begin (b) A health care professional or a social service professional who is mandated to report under section 626.556, subdivision 3, is exempt from reporting under paragraph (a) a woman's use or consumption of tetrahydrocannabinol or alcoholic beverages during pregnancy if the professional is providing the woman with prenatal care or other healthcare services. new text end

new text begin (c) new text end Any person may make a voluntary report if the person knows or has reason to believe that a woman is pregnant and has used a controlled substance for a nonmedical purpose during the pregnancy, including, but not limited to, tetrahydrocannabinol, or has consumed alcoholic beverages during the pregnancy in any way that is habitual or excessive. An oral report shall be made immediately by telephone or otherwise. An oral report made by a person required to report shall be followed within 72 hours, exclusive of weekends and holidays, by a report in writing to the local welfare agency. Any report shall be of sufficient content to identify the pregnant woman, the nature and extent of the use, if known, and the name and address of the reporter.

new text begin (d) For purposes of this section, "prenatal care" means the comprehensive package of medical and psychological support provided throughout the pregnancy. new text end

Presented to the governor May 12, 2010

Signed by the governor May 14, 2010, 7:57 p.m.