HB 1120 -- Shaken Baby Syndrome

Sponsor:  Pratt

This bill creates the Shaken Baby Syndrome Education Act of 2004.
In its main provisions, the bill:

(1)  Requires the Department of Health and Senior Services to
establish and develop rules to implement an educational and
awareness program concerning shaken baby syndrome;

(2)  Contains various definitions for "shaken baby syndrome,"
"infant," "birth center," and "commitment statement";

(3)  Requires the department to distribute understandable
information and instructional materials regarding shaken baby
syndrome which include the medical effects on newborns, infants,
and young children;

(4)  Allows parents, adoptive parents, and legal guardians to
voluntarily sign a commitment statement prior to discharge from a
birth center or hospital indicating an understanding of the
materials provided on shaken baby syndrome;

(5)  Requires the information and instructional materials
concerning shaken baby syndrome be provided to parents and
guardians without cost by licensed birth centers and hospitals;
and

(6)  Requires the department to improve the capacity of home and
community-based services available to victims of shaken baby
syndrome.  In addition, the department is required to work with
appropriate local and state agencies, community and business
leaders, and organizations in order to maximize public and
private resources concerning the prevention of shaken baby
syndrome.

Missouri House of Representatives
92nd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 23, 2004 at 11:14 am