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

Senate Bill 2746

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 DOWN SYNDROME REGARDING THEIR CHILD; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO MAKE INFORMATION AVAILABLE REGARDING DOWN SYNDROME; 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 "down syndrome" shall mean a chromosomal condition caused by an error in all cell division that results in the presence of an extra or partial copy of chromosome 21.

          (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 down syndrome, 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 down syndrome the following:

               (i)  Up-to-date, evidence-based written information about down syndrome that has been reviewed by medical experts and national down syndrome organizations.  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 down syndrome, resource centers or clearinghouses, national and local down syndrome 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 down syndrome.

          (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 down syndrome.

     SECTION 3.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2021.