MS HB1298

Creates the Mississippi Commission for the Newborn Umbilical Cord Blood Initiative consisting of 15 members appointed by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of the House, with required expertise in medicine, medical ethics, stem cell research, and biotechnology law.

Directs the commission to establish a network of postnatal tissue and fluid banks in partnership with colleges, universities, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations by June 30, 2012, to collect and store umbilical cord, placenta, and amniotic fluid for scientific research and medical treatment.

Allows any person giving birth in Mississippi to voluntarily donate postnatal tissue and fluid to the Newborn Umbilical Cord Blood Bank with donor identity protected from public disclosure.

Requires the commission to develop an education program for pregnant patients explaining public and private banking options, collection processes, medical uses, benefits, risks, and costs of cord blood banking.

Authorizes the commission to oversee bank operations, approve fees, promote donation awareness, ensure compliance with quality standards, participate in the National Cord Blood Program, and report annually to the Legislature.