Sec. 2683.

(1) If funding is made available, the department shall promote public awareness and increase knowledge about the statewide network of cord blood stem cell banks, cord blood banking options, and the benefits of cord blood stem cells by developing and disseminating educational materials on the uses and benefits of cord blood stem cells, the viability of cord blood stem cells, information on research results utilizing cord blood stem cells, and any other related materials and information to enable the public to make informed decisions about the utilization of cord blood stem cells. Information shall include, but is not limited to, all of the following:

(a) An explanation of the differences between public and private cord blood banking.

(b) Information on the statewide network of cord blood stem cell banks.

(c) Cord blood options available.

(d) The medical process and risks involved in the collection of cord blood.

(e) Medically accepted uses and benefits of cord blood collection and transplantation.

(f) A statement that due to ongoing research and development there may be future uses and benefits of cord blood collection and transplantation.

(g) An explanation of any costs to the donor associated with cord blood donation and storage.

(h) Information on how to request printed materials and how to access other information available on the department's website.

(i) Options for ownership and future use of the donated material.

(j) An explanation of the storage, maintenance, and viability for transplantation of cord blood stem cells.

(2) The department, on its website, shall make the materials and information gathered and developed under subsection (1) available in printable format to the public and to health care facilities and agencies, cord blood banks, and health care professionals.

(3) The department shall encourage health care professionals and health care facilities and agencies, including, but not limited to, physicians, nurse midwives, nurses, hospitals, birthing facilities, and local health departments to disseminate information to a pregnant woman before her third trimester of pregnancy about cord blood donation and the options for cord blood banking.

History: Add. 2006, Act 638, Imd. Eff. Jan. 4, 2007 Popular Name: Act 368