2021 Maryland Statutes
Health - General
Title 20 - Miscellaneous Health Provisions
Subtitle 15 - Down Syndrome Information
Section 20-1502 - General Consideration

    (a)    The Department shall identify up–to–date, evidence–based, written information about Down syndrome that:

        (1)    Has been reviewed by medical experts and national and local Down syndrome organizations;

        (2)    Is designed for use by an expectant parent who receives a prenatal test result for Down syndrome or a parent of a child who receives a diagnosis of Down syndrome;

        (3)    Is culturally and linguistically appropriate for potential recipients of the information; and

        (4)    Includes:

            (i)    Information addressing physical, developmental, educational, and psychosocial outcomes, life expectancy, clinical course, and intellectual and functional development and treatment options for individuals with Down syndrome; and

            (ii)    Contact information for national and local Down syndrome education and support programs and services, including information hotlines, resource centers, and clearinghouses.

    (b)    The Department shall:

        (1)    Provide the information identified by the Department under subsection (a) of this section to health care facilities and health care providers that provide prenatal care, postnatal care, or genetic counseling to expectant parents who receive a prenatal test result for Down syndrome and parents of a child diagnosed with Down syndrome; and

        (2)    Make available the information identified by the Department under subsection (a) of this section on the Department’s website.

    (c)    (1)    On receipt of a positive test result from a test for Down syndrome, a health care facility or health care provider may provide to the expectant parent who receives a prenatal test result for Down syndrome or the parent of the child diagnosed with Down syndrome the written information provided or made available by the Department under subsection (b) of this section.

        (2)    The information provided under this subsection shall be culturally and linguistically appropriate for the recipient of the information.