ND SB2215

Health care professionals may inform prenatal patients of four options for umbilical cord blood stem cells: discard them, donate to a public bank, store in a family bank, or store through a free family/sibling donor banking program with medical need.

Information can be provided verbally, in writing, or through a state department of health publication, but health care professionals are not obligated to inform patients about these options.

Health care professionals acting in good faith under this section are protected from civil, criminal, and professional discipline liability.

State department of health must prepare and maintain a pamphlet by January 1, 2012, covering collection processes, medical risks and benefits, costs, ownership options, and average banking costs for both public and private umbilical cord blood banks.

Hospitals must permit patients to arrange umbilical cord blood donations during delivery, and the department must make the pamphlet available on its website and distribute copies free upon request.