MS SB2527

Deletes the repealer date on Section 37-115-43, Mississippi Code of 1972, to make permanent the University of Mississippi Medical Center's authority to operate a Center of Excellence for abused and neglected children at Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children in Jackson.

Authorizes the Center to provide comprehensive physical examinations by child maltreatment specialists for suspected victims of child abuse and neglect referred by the Department of Human Services or law enforcement.

Empowers the Department of Pediatrics to use the Center for educational outreach programs, telemedicine consultations, satellite clinic development in other state locations, and research initiatives in child maltreatment.

Establishes the Children's Justice Fund in the State Treasury to be funded by transfers from the State Treasurer, including funds returned from the MCI WorldCom Settlement, and authorizes the Medical Center to accept grants and donations from public, private, and federal sources.

Takes effect July 1, 2010.