1. A. The screening of newborn infants pursuant to this chapter is a population-based public health surveillance program as defined under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.

2. B. On request, a birthing facility or health care provider shall make available to the Newborn Screening Follow-Up Unit:

   1. (1) Medical records;
   2. (2) Records of laboratory tests; and

   3. (3) Any other medical information the Newborn Screening Follow-Up Unit considers necessary to:

      1. (a) Determine final outcomes of abnormal screening results; and

      2. (b) Evaluate CCHD Screening activities in the State, including:

         1. (i) Performance of follow-up evaluations and diagnostic tests;
         2. (ii) Initiation of treatment when necessary; and
         3. (iii) Surveillance of the accuracy and efficacy of the screening.

3. C. Information that the Department receives under this chapter is confidential and may only be used or disclosed:

   1. (1) To provide services to the newborn infant and the infant's family;
   2. (2) To study the relationships of the various factors determining the frequency and distribution of CCHD;
   3. (3) For State or federally mandated statistical reports; and
   4. (4) To ensure that the information received by the Department is accurate and reliable.

Authority: Health-General Article, §§13-109, 13-111, and 18-107(a), Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date:

Regulations .01—.08 adopted as an emergency provision effective October 5, 2012 (39:22 Md. R. 1427); emergency status extended to June 1, 2013 (40:6 Md. R. 469); adopted permanently effective April 15, 2013 (40:7 Md. R. 612)