3548

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 611

(A)  "SENTINEL BIRTH DEFECTS" INCLUDE:

(1)  ANECEPHALY ANENCEPHALY;

(2)  SPINA BIFIDA;

(3)  HYDRO-CEPHALI HYDROCEPHALY;

(4)  CLEFT PALLET CLEFT PALATE;

(5)  TOTAL CLEFT LIP;

(6)  ESOPHEGEAL ATRESIA AND STEROSIS; ESOPHAGEAL
ATRESIA AND STENOSIS

(7)  RENAL RECTAL AND ANAL ATRESIA;

(8)  HYPO-SPODIAS HYPOSPADIAS;

(9)  REDUCTION AND DEFORMITY - UPPER LIMB;

(10)  REDUCTION AND DEFORMITY - LOWER LIMB;

(11)  CONGENITAL DISLOCATION OF THE HIP; AND

(12)  DOWNS SYNDROME DOWN'S SYNDROME.

(B) (1) A HOSPITAL SHALL MAKE A REPORT ON EACH CHILD
WHO IS BORN LIVE OR STILLBORN IN THE HOSPITAL AND HAS A
SENTINEL BIRTH DEFECT. IF A CHILD IS BORN OUTSIDE THE
HOSPITAL, THE PERSON FILLING OUT THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE SHALL
MAKE A REPORT UNDER THIS SECTION.

(2)  THE SECRETARY SHALL APPOINT A COMMITTEE OF
PHYSICIANS, HOSPITAL REPRESENTATIVES AND OFFICIALS FROM THE
DEPARTMENT SHALL TO DETERMINE THE INFORMATION REQUIRED
UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION.

(3)  EACH MONTH THE HOSPITAL SHALL SUBMIT THE
REPORTS FOR THAT MONTH, IDENTIFIED BY HOSPITAL CASE NUMBER
ONLY, TO THE DEPARTMENT.

(C) (1) THE HOSPITAL MAY NOT DISCLOSE THE IDENTITY OF
THE CHILD TO THE DEPARTMENT UNLESS:

(1) (I) THE DEPARTMENT SHOWS A RESEARCH PUBLIC
HEALTH NEED FOR INDIVIDUAL IDENTITY;

(2) (II) THE HOSPITAL OBTAINS WRITTEN CONSENT OF
THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF THE CHILD; AND

(3) (III) THE DEPARTMENT ASSURES THAT THE
IDENTITY OF THE CHILD WILL NOT BE RELEASED WITHOUT THE
WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN.