HB 444 Summary

• Establishes the Umbilical Cord Blood Use Act to educate pregnant women about the medical benefits and uses of stem cells found in umbilical cord blood.

• Requires health care providers treating pregnant women during the last trimester to advise them of possible medical uses of umbilical cord blood and options for banking or donating following delivery.

• Mandates the Department of Public Health prepare and distribute written publications by January 1, 2010 covering collection processes, medical risks, current and future medical uses, costs, ownership options, and available state resources.

• Requires health care facilities and providers to permit umbilical cord blood banking or donation upon patient request unless medically inadvisable or conflicting with provider's professional judgment or bona fide religious beliefs.

• Act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.