APRNS Who Order Prenatal Screening: Be Aware of the Prenatal Trisomy Diagnosis Awareness Act

 

In August 2015, the Prenatal Trisomy Awareness Act (MS 145.471) went into effect. This law requires health care providers who order prenatal screening to provide expectant parents with helpful and accurate information if a screening test result is positive for trisomy 13, trisomy 18, or Down syndrome (trisomy 21). 

 

MDH has the required information for each of these conditions available on its website, Children and Youth with Special Health Needs (CYSHN) at: www.health.state.mn.us/people/childrenyouth/cyshn/provider.html.

 

When available, links are included to other resources that may be used to meet the law’s requirements. Information must be provided in a written format. Hard copy, electronic or an alternative format is acceptable. 

 

Since prenatal screening tests have different sensitivities, health care providers will need to clarify with the parent that screening is a first step and that a positive screen is not a diagnosis.