MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2021 Regular Session
To: Public Health and Human Services
By: Representative Zuber
AN ACT TO BE KNOWN AS THE "DOWN SYNDROME INFORMATION ACT"; TO REQUIRE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO PROVIDE CERTAIN INFORMATION ON DOWN SYNDROME TO HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONERS AND THE PUBLIC ON THE DEPARTMENT'S WEBSITE; TO REQUIRE THE INFORMATION TO INCLUDE LINKS TO ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING RESOURCES AND SUPPORT RELATING TO DOWN SYNDROME; TO AUTHORIZE A HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER OR GENETIC COUNSELOR WHO RECEIVES A POSITIVE RESULT FROM A DOWN SYNDROME TEST TO PROVIDE THE INFORMATION TO THE PATIENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. (1) This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Down Syndrome Information Act."
(2) As used in this section, the following words and phrases have the meanings ascribed in this subsection unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
(a) "Department" means the State Department of Health.
(b) "Down syndrome" means a chromosomal condition caused by an error in cell division that results in the presence of an extra whole or partial copy of a chromosome.
(c) "Health care practitioner" means a medical professional who provides prenatal or postnatal care and administers or requests administration of a diagnostic or screening test to a pregnant woman which detects for Down syndrome.
(3) The State Department of Health, using existing resources, shall make available up-to-date, evidence-based information about Down syndrome to health care practitioners and the public on the department's website. The online information must include:
(a) Information regarding first-call programs;
(b) Links to organizations providing information and resources related to Down syndrome; and
(c) Information on, and when available, links to, other educational and support programs.
(4) The intent of this section is to make information readily available to individuals who render prenatal care, postnatal care or genetic counseling to any person who has received a prenatal or postnatal diagnosis of Down syndrome.
(5) Upon receipt of a positive result from a test for Down syndrome, a healthcare provider or a genetic counselor who renders genetic counseling may provide the expectant or new parent with the information provided by the department under this section.
(6) This section may not be construed as creating a duty of care or other legal obligation beyond the requirements set forth in this section.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2021.