MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2021 Regular Session
To: Public Health and Welfare
By: Senator(s) England, Jordan, Tate, Simmons (13th), Jackson (32nd), Seymour, McCaughn, Williams, Jackson (11th), Younger, Boyd, Sparks, Parker, Caughman, McLendon, Thompson, Suber, Frazier, Thomas, Branning, Carter
AN ACT TO CREATE HUDSON'S LAW, TO REQUIRE HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS TO PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION TO NEW OR EXPECTANT PARENTS WHO RECEIVE A POSITIVE TEST FOR CHROMOSOMAL DISORDER REGARDING THEIR CHILD; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO MAKE INFORMATION AVAILABLE REGARDING CHROMOSOMAL DISORDER; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. This act shall be known and may be cited as "Hudson's Law."
SECTION 2. The Legislature finds the following:
(a) For purposes of this section, the term ""chromosomal disorder" means trisomy 13 (otherwise known as Patau syndrome); trisomy 18 (otherwise known as Edwards syndrome); or trisomy 21 (otherwise known as Down syndrome)."
(b) Any facility, physician, health care provider, nurse midwife or genetic counselor who renders prenatal care, postnatal care or genetic counseling, upon receipt of a positive test result from a test for a chromosomal disorder, shall provide the expectant or new parent with information provided by the department under paragraph (c) of this section.
(c) The Department of Health shall make available to any person who renders prenatal care, postnatal care or genetic counseling of parents who receive a prenatal or postnatal diagnosis of a chromosomal disorder the following:
(i) Up-to-date, evidence-based written information about a chromosomal disorder that has been reviewed by medical experts and national advocacy organizations for people with intellectual and other developmental disorders. The written information provided shall include physical, developmental, educational and psychosocial outcomes, life expectancy, clinical course, and intellectual and functional development and treatment options; and
(ii) The contact information regarding first-call programs and support services, including hotline specific to a chromosomal disorder, resource centers or clearinghouses, national and local organizations, and other education and support programs. The department may also make such available to any other person who has received a positive test for a chromosomal disorder.
(d) Information provided under this section shall be culturally and linguistically appropriate for women receiving a positive prenatal diagnosis or for the family of a child receiving a postnatal diagnosis of a chromosomal disorder.
SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2021.