HI SB2382

Department of Health must prepare written educational information about premature infants (born before 37 weeks gestational age) by July 1, 2011, covering health issues, proper care, preventive measures, and family support resources.

Department of Health shall distribute educational materials to hospitals, health care facilities, pediatric providers, maternal health providers, and community health centers for distribution to parents of premature infants.

All hospitals providing newborn care must provide written educational material about premature infants to parents at discharge, with materials updated every two years and approved by the Department of Health.

Department of Health must develop a plan to improve hospital discharge and follow-up care procedures for premature infants, request hospitals report rehospitalization data for infants in their first six months of life, and implement quality improvement programs using Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services guidance.

Department of Health shall submit a report to the legislature no less than 20 days before the 2011 regular session detailing the improvement plan, rehospitalization data, recommendations, and proposed legislation.