CT SB00152

Establishes the Connecticut Umbilical Cord Blood Collection Board with eight members appointed by the Governor, legislative leaders, and the Commissioner of Public Health to oversee umbilical cord blood collection and banking.

Requires the board to establish the umbilical cord blood collection program by July 1, 2012, including at least two fixed collection centers at birthing hospitals with 3,750+ annual births and significant minority populations.

Allows the board to contract with entities to collect and transport umbilical cord blood for public use including transplantation, research, and clinical trials; state retains interest in collected units commensurate with program investment.

Establishes the Umbilical Cord Blood Collection Account as a nonlapsing fund within the General Fund to support program operations using public and private contributions, with goal of self-sustainability by July 1, 2020.

Requires health care providers to inform pregnant women during their last trimester about umbilical cord blood banking and donation options, and directs the board to conduct public education and marketing for the program.