Code of Maine Rules
10 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
144 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - GENERAL
Chapter 280 - RULES RELATING TO THE MAINE BIRTH DEFECTS PROGRAM
Section 144-280-3 - RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPORTING

1. All administrators of hospitals licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services and all health professionals licensed pursuant to MRS Title 32 engaged by a birthing center are responsible to report all cases involving a diagnosis of a reportable birth defect involving any fetus or infant born in the State of Maine to a Maine resident. Reporting shall be made to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Maine Birth Defects Program ("Maine Birth Defects Program"). This reporting requirement extends to any live born or stillborn infant diagnosed at birth or to any infant one year of age or younger admitted to the hospital or outpatient office/clinic for diagnosis or treatment related to a reportable birth defect.

2. Each administrator of a hospital or other health facility subject to licensing requirements established under either M.R.S.A. Title 22 or Title 32, which provides health care for pregnant woman or for infants, shall designate a contact person responsible for coordinating the reporting of birth defects by the facility to the Maine Birth Defects Program. Such designee should be a clinical person with appropriate experience in either obstetrics or newborn care, unless the Birth Defects Program authorizes another designee. Each such administrator shall advise the Birth Defects Program of the identity of the contact person for his or her facility.

3. The designated contact person shall also be responsible for the submission of appropriate reports to the Maine Birth Defects Program regarding any infant or fetus diagnosed with a reportable birth defect.

4. The administrator of any hospital licensed pursuant to M.R.S.A. Title 22 shall also designate a contact person within its medical records department to coordinate the provision of all relevant medical records and other information pertaining to an infant or fetus diagnosed with a reportable birth defect to the Maine Birth Defects Program. The administrator shall also furnish the name of such contact person to the Program.

5. Each hospital or birthing center subject to these Rules will be provided a report form by the Birth Defects Program, which will identify the required reporting data pertaining to the mother and infant/fetus, along with a listing of reportable birth defects under these Rules.

6. The administrator of each hospital licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services or licensed health professionals engaged by a birthing center subject to these Rules is responsible for assuring that all facility staff, with responsibility for obstetrical or newborn care, are informed of their respective responsibilities under these Rules.