Ch. 560

LAWS OP MARYLAND

(3) THE SECRETARY SHALL ASSURE THAT THE IDENTITY OF A
CHILD UNDER THIS SECTION MAY NOT BE RELEASED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN
CONSENT OF THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF THE CHILD.

(d) (1) The Department shall assure that information is
prepared and periodically updated on:

(i) Sentinel birth defects; and

(ii) Public and private services for the
disabled with sentinel birth defects.

(2) (i) The Secretary shall appoint a committee to
determine the information required under paragraph (l) of this
subsection.

(ii) The committee shall consist of:

1.  Physicians;

2.  Educators;

3.  Social service specialists;

4.  Representatives of the Department;

5.  Representatives of the Department of

6.  Representatives of the Department of

7.  Parents of children with sentinel

Human Resources;

Education; and

birth defects.

(3)  The information provided under this subsection
shall be distributed to each hospital and made available to
parents or guardians of children with sentinel birth defects by
the infant's physician BEFORE THE INFANT IS DISCHARGED FROM THE
HOSPITAL AND AFTER A FULL WITH AN EXPLANATION, TO THE EXTENT
POSSIBLE, OF THE BIRTH DEFECT IS MADE TO THE PARENTS OR
GUARDIANS.

(4)  (I) THE SECRETARY SHALL SEND A LETTER TO THE
PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF EACH CHILD REPORTED UNDER THIS SECTION WITH
A SENTINEL BIRTH DEFECT WHEN BEFORE THE CHILD IS 6 MONTHS OLD.

(II)  THE LETTER SHALL OFFER INFORMATION ABOUT
THE BIRTH DEFECT AND AVAILABLE SERVICES WITH EMPHASIS ON NEEDS
IDENTIFIED AFTER DISCHARGE FROM THE HOSPITAL.

(III)  BEFORE SENDING A LETTER TO A PARENT OR
GUARDIAN, THE SECRETARY SHALL IMPLEMENT APPROPRIATE PROCEDURES TO

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