PARRIS N. GLENDENING, Governor

Ch. 502

WHEREAS, The State's statutes and regulations direct the screening of newborn
infants for hereditary and congenital disorders in the hospital prior to discharge; and

WHEREAS, Hospital stays of less than 24 hours after childbirth typically result in
unsatisfactory PKU specimens as a result of insufficient milk feedings, and the incidence
of unsatisfactory PKU specimens has risen from 5% in 1989, to 30% in 1993, and in that
same year 25% of infants with unsatisfactory PKU specimens never received an adequate
and timely subsequent screening; and

WHEREAS, Insurers and nonprofit health service plans have implemented benefit
plans generally covering no more than 24 hours of postpartum stay in a hospital, despite
little or no scientific support for the efficacy and safety of this policy for the general
population; and

WHEREAS, The "Guidelines for Perinatal Care", published by the American
Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
recommend a hospital stay of 48 hours after childbirth; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of the General Assembly to maximize the prevention of
mental retardation from PKU and other hereditary and congenital disorders; now,
therefore,

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article 48A - Insurance Code

354KK.

(a)     In this section, "child wellness services" means a preventive activity designed
to:

(1)     Protect children from morbidity and mortality; and

(2)     Promote child development.

(b)     The provisions of this section apply to a nonprofit health service plan that:

(1)     Is written on an expense incurred basis;

(2)     Provides coverage for a family member of the insured; and

(3)     Is delivered or issued for delivery in the State.

(c)     (1) A nonprofit health service plan shall include under the family member
coverage a minimum package of child wellness services that are consistent with:

(i) Public health policy;

(ii) Professional standards; and

(iii) Scientific evidence of effectiveness.

(2) A child wellness services package required under this subsection shall
cover at least:

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