HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

782

TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO THE CYTOMEGALOVIRUS.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  Congenital cytomegalovirus is the most common cause of birth defects and childhood disabilities in the United States.  Approximately one in every one hundred fifty newborn infants is born with the cytomegalovirus and, of those newborn infants, one in every five will suffer a permanent disability.  The cytomegalovirus is the leading cause of non-hereditary deafness in children and has the potential to cause intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, seizures, blindness, and brain damage.  However, less than one in five pregnant women are aware of cytomegalovirus.

     The purpose of this Act is to raise awareness of the cytomegalovirus by requiring the department of health to establish a public education program to educate and inform pregnant women and women who may become pregnant.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 321, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§321-    Cytomegalovirus public education.  (a)  The department of health shall establish a public education program to inform pregnant women and women who may become pregnant regarding:

     (1)  The incidence of the cytomegalovirus;

     (2)  The transmission of the cytomegalovirus to pregnant women and women who may become pregnant;

     (3)  Birth defects caused by congenital cytomegalovirus;

     (4)  Methods of diagnosing congenital cytomegalovirus; and

     (5)  Available preventative measures.

     (b)  The department of health shall provide the information described in subsection (a) to:

     (1)  Hospitals licensed pursuant to section 321-14.5;

     (2)  Health care providers offering care to pregnant women and infants;

     (3)  Registered family child care homes;

     (4)  Licensed group child care centers;

     (5)  Licensed group child care homes;

     (6)  Licensed infant and toddler child care centers; and

     (7)  Religious, ecclesiastical, or denominational organizations offering children's programs as a part of worship services."

     SECTION 3.  (a)  The department of health shall convene a working group that includes representatives from the John A. Burns School of Medicine, Hawaii Medical Association, Hawaii State American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, birthing facilities and providers, and other stakeholders to participate in the development of a public education program to inform and educate pregnant women and women who may become pregnant about cytomegalovirus, and inform and educate healthcare providers who may be responsible for screening, testing, diagnosing, and treating pregnant mothers or newborns with cytomegalovirus.

     (b)  The working group shall submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2016, that includes recommendations for developing, implementing, and funding the public education program under this Act.

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $         or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 to implement the public education program established by this Act.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.


 


 

Report Title:

Cytomegalovirus; Newborn; Infants; Pregnancy; Appropriation

 

Description:

Requires the Department of Health (DOH) to establish a public education program to inform and educate pregnant women and women who may become pregnant about cytomegalovirus.  Requires DOH to convene a working group comprising various stakeholders to participate in the development of the public education program.  Appropriates funds.  (HB782 HD1)

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.