SB 586 Summary

• Requires hospitals, physicians, health care providers, nurse midwives, genetic counselors and other entities providing prenatal care, postnatal care, or genetic counseling to provide parents with State Department of Health-approved information upon receiving a positive Down syndrome test result.

• Information provided must be up-to-date, evidence-based written material reviewed by medical experts and national Down syndrome organizations, including information on physical, developmental, educational, and psychological outcomes, life expectancy, and treatment options.

• Requires provision of contact information for support services, including Down syndrome hotlines, resource centers, national and local Down syndrome organizations, and education and support programs.

• Information must be culturally and linguistically appropriate for women receiving a positive prenatal diagnosis or families of children with a postnatal Down syndrome diagnosis.

• Bill does not limit existing rights under Oklahoma law sections 1-561 et seq. of Title 63; becomes effective November 1, 2013.