| What is the Mississippi law pertaining to birth defects? |
Section 41-21-205 of the Mississippi Code established a birth defects surveillance registry in the Mississippi State Department of Health. The law authorizes the Mississippi State Department of Health to adopt rules to govern the operation of the registry program. The Department of Health shall specify the type of information to be provided to the birth defects registry and the persons and entities who are required to provide such information to the Birth Defects Registry.
|
| |
| Who reports to the Birth Defects Surveillance Registry? |
All hospitals, clinics, and other health facility personnel that serve patients from newborn to 21 years of age should report to the Mississippi Birth Defects Surveillance Registry. |
| |
| What are birth defects? |
Birth defects, as defined for the purpose of the MS Birth Defects Surveillance Registry, are an abnormality of structure, function or metabolism, whether genetically caused or a result of outside factors during a child's developmental or fetal life. A birth defect may be present from the time of conception or birth, or may become evident later in the child's life. |
| |
| How common are birth defects? |
According to Centers for Disease Control, birth defects are the leading cause of infant mortality, accounting for more than 20% of all infant deaths. |
| |
| What are the causes of birth defects? |
The causes for many birth defects are uncertain. However, environmental factors, medications, diet habits and personal behaviors have been identified as possible contributors to these defects. While much is still unknown concerning the causes of birth defects, there is a growing amount of information regarding the measures that can be used to prevent them. |
| |
| What are the objectives of the Birth Defects Surveillance Registry? |
To monitor, regularly and systematically, the births of children with defects for changes in incidence or other unusual patterns suggesting preventable causes.
To increase reporting to the registry to ensure long term follow up and delivery of service.
To ensure that children identified with birth defects are placed in a system of care.
|
| |
| What is the focus of the Birth Defects Surveillance Registry? |
The Birth Defects Surveillance Registry focuses primarily on live births and stillbirths in the state. Data contained in this registry are confidential, and the identities of all persons in the registry are protected. |
| |
| How can I receive a copy of the birth defects reporting form? |
To receive a copy of the Reporting Form please contact:
Mississippi State Department of Health
Genetics Services/Birth Defects Surveillance Registry
P.O. Box 1700
Jackson, MS 39215
Phone: 601-576-7619
Fax: 601-576-7498
|
| |
| How do I submit monthly reports? |
Monthly reports can also be submitted to the aforementioned address if there are no birth defects cases to report. However, for patients with birth defects, please complete the Reporting Form. If there is a large number of patients with birth defects the information may be submitted on diskettes or compact disk and mailed to the Mississippi State Department of Health. |
| |
Mississippi Birth Defects Surveillance Registry Fact Sheet
[23KB]