Requires hospitals, prior to discharge, to provide parents of newborns educational information on Pertussis disease and the availability of a vaccine. (8/15/11)
Impact
This legislation directly impacts state health care policy by ensuring that hospitals play a proactive role in educating parents about Pertussis. By requiring that this information be provided before discharge, the bill seeks to enhance public health awareness and potentially increase vaccination rates among parents and newborns. An additional objective is to reduce the incidence of Pertussis in the state, thereby improving child health outcomes and decreasing hospitalizations due to the disease.
Summary
Senate Bill 156 mandates that all licensed hospitals in Louisiana provide educational information on Pertussis disease to the parents of newborns prior to their discharge. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious disease that is vaccine-preventable. The bill emphasizes the importance of informing parents about the disease as well as the recommendations for Tdap vaccination to help protect their children from its transmission.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB 156 appears to be generally positive, as it aligns with public health objectives and aims to improve health education among new parents. Legislative discussions indicated a consensus regarding the necessity of the bill, reflecting a commitment to safeguarding the health of newborns through informed parental decision-making. The bill also showcased a functional collaboration between health authorities and hospitals for effective dissemination of health information.
Contention
While the bill is seen as beneficial, it stops short of requiring hospitals to provide or pay for vaccinations against Pertussis, which could spark discussion about the responsibilities of hospitals in providing comprehensive care. However, legislators have emphasized that the educational role of hospitals in informing parents is critical, even if it does not include mandatory vaccinations. The debate may reflect broader issues of public health policy and the allocation of resources in health care settings.
Requires birthing centers, hospitals, and licensed midwives to offer information to parents of newborns on shaken baby syndrome and sudden unexpected infant death
Requires the provision of certain information to patients or parents of patients prior to administration of an immunization or a vaccine (OR NO IMPACT See Note)
Requires the provision of certain information to patients or parents of patients prior to administration of an immunization or a vaccine (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)