§31.43.  Louisiana Birth Defects Surveillance System

A.  The department shall establish a birth defects surveillance system within the office of public health to collect, analyze, interpret, and disseminate data relative to birth defects in Louisiana.

B.  In establishing the surveillance system, the department shall require reporting sources to report information on birth defects to the office.  However, reporting sources shall not collect or report information on birth defects of a child to the office whenever there is a written objection by the parent or legal guardian that collecting and reporting such information would conflict with their religious tenets or practices.

C.  The system has the authority to collaborate with other interstate and interagency efforts as they relate to the surveillance system.

Acts 2001, No. 194, §1.