The Division of Family Health Services in the Public Health Services Branch of the Department of Health and Senior Services proposes the readoption without change of N.J.A.C. 8:20, which establishes the Birth Defects Registry.

The purpose of these rules is to continue the birth defects registry, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 26:8-40.21, which contains a confidential record of all children with birth defects that are identified within the first five years of life.  Additionally, these rules would continue the Autism Registry, which contains a confidential record of all children diagnosed through age 21 as having any of the Autism Spectrum Disorders.  The Birth Defects and Autism Registries would also continue to contain any other information the Department deems necessary and appropriate in order to conduct thorough and complete epidemiological surveys of birth defects, and to plan for services needed by the children and their families.

The notice of proposal appears in the July 6, 2010 issue of the New Jersey Register.

The public has until September 6, 2010 to comment on the proposals.  Persons wishing to comment on the proposals must submit their comments in writing to Ruth Charbonneau, Director, Office of Legal and Regulatory Affairs, New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, PO Box 360, Trenton, NJ 08625.  Written comments on the proposals must be postmarked on or before September 6, 2010, which is the close of the 60-day public comment period for the proposals.

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