California 2021-2022 Regular Session

California Senate Bill SR48

Introduced
8/16/21  
Refer
8/16/21  
Refer
8/16/21  

Caption

Relative to Newborn Falls Awareness Week.

Impact

The resolution serves to proclaim the third week of September as Newborn Falls Awareness Week, intending to promote understanding and action regarding the prevention of these incidents. By raising awareness, the hope is to encourage hospitals to implement standardized risk assessments for newborns upon admission and to adopt tracking systems for monitoring occurrences of falls. This initiative could lead to changes in hospital protocols and enhance the safety measures for newborns and parents during hospital stays.

Summary

Senate Resolution 48 (SR48), introduced by Senator Limn, aims to raise awareness about the critical issue of newborn falls in hospitals. This resolution stems from alarming statistics indicating that there are between 600 to 1,600 newborn falls annually in the United States, with reports of these incidents in hospitals increasing by over 600 percent in the last decade. The resolution highlights the various factors contributing to these falls, such as mothers being responsible for the care of their newborns while also recovering from childbirth and anesthesia.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding SR48 is supportive, as acknowledgment of newborn falls is crucial for enhancing infant safety. Advocates for the resolution express the importance of addressing this overlooked problem within hospital settings, which has significant implications for both the health of newborns and the emotional well-being of parents. By focusing on awareness and prevention, the bill fosters a positive response towards ensuring that newborns are provided with safer care environments within healthcare institutions.

Contention

While SR48 is primarily an awareness initiative, there may be some debate regarding the implementation of its proposals, particularly the establishment of standardized fall prevention policies in hospitals. Concerns may arise about the readiness and willingness of healthcare facilities to adapt their protocols and allocate the necessary resources for tracking falls. Additionally, the potential required changes in training and procedures for hospital staff could present challenges, highlighting the need for a commitment to prioritizing newborn safety.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CA SR36

Relative to Period Poverty Awareness Week.

CA SR122

Relative to Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

CA SR72

Relative to Maternal and Mental Health Awareness Month.

CA SCR80

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

CA SR58

Relative to CalEITC Awareness Week.

CA ACR97

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month.

CA SR92

Relative to Lupus and Fibromyalgia Awareness Month.

CA ACR132

CalEITC Awareness Week.

CA AR34

Relative to Period Poverty Awareness Week.

CA SR89

Relative to Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

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