MS HB1067

Authorizes the State Board of Health to establish a Nurse-Family Partnership Pilot program, an evidence-based voluntary nurse home visitation program for low-income, first-time pregnant women and their children, contingent on available funding.

Establishes eligibility criteria requiring first-time pregnancy before the twenty-eighth week of gestation and Medicaid eligibility, with registered nurses providing home visits from early pregnancy through the child's second birthday.

Sets three primary program goals: improve pregnancy outcomes through preventive health practices, improve child health and development through parental support, and improve family economic self-sufficiency by helping parents continue education and find work.

Authorizes the State Health Department and University of Mississippi Medical Center to develop standards of care for premature infants born before thirty-seven weeks gestational age and improve hospital discharge procedures, follow-up care coordination, and preventive health care access.

Takes effect July 1, 2010.