Maine Code § 22-1642

Down syndrome
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The department shall establish, maintain and operate an information service for Down syndrome.
For the purposes of this section, "Down syndrome" means a chromosomal condition caused by an error
in cell division that results in the presence of an extra whole or partial copy of chromosome 21. [PL
2015, c. 269, §1 (NEW).]
1. Expectant or new parent; others. A hospital, physician, health care provider or certified nurse
midwife who renders prenatal care or postnatal care or a genetic counselor who renders prenatal or
postnatal genetic counseling shall, upon receipt of a positive test result from a prenatal or postnatal test
for Down syndrome, offer the expectant or new parent information provided by the department under
subsection 2. The department shall also make such information available to any other person who has
received a positive test result from a prenatal or postnatal test for Down syndrome.
[PL 2015, c. 269, §1 (NEW).]
2. Information provided. The department shall make available to a person who renders prenatal
care, postnatal care or genetic counseling to expectant or new parents who receive a prenatal or
postnatal diagnosis of Down syndrome the following:
A. Up-to-date evidence-based written information about Down syndrome that includes physical,
developmental, educational and psychosocial outcomes, life expectancy, clinical course and
intellectual and functional development and treatment options. The information must have been
reviewed by established medical experts in the field and national Down syndrome organizations;
and [PL 2015, c. 269, §1 (NEW).]
B. Contact information regarding support programs and services, including information hotlines
specific to Down syndrome, resource centers and clearinghouses, national, statewide and local
Down syndrome organizations and other educational and support programs. [PL 2015, c. 269,
§1 (NEW).]
[PL 2015, c. 269, §1 (NEW).]
3. Accessibility of information. Information provided under this section must be culturally and
linguistically appropriate for a person receiving a positive prenatal diagnosis and for the family of a
child receiving a postnatal diagnosis of Down syndrome.
[PL 2015, c. 269, §1 (NEW).]

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