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1996 SESSION

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SJ 51 Study; treatment of certain infections.

Introduced by: Stephen H. Martin | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles

SUMMARY:

Study; detection, prevention, and treatment of certain infections among pregnant women, etc. Requests the Commissioner of Health to assemble a panel of experts for the purpose of developing a protocol for the detection, prevention, and treatment of certain infections among pregnant women and new mothers and their newborn infants. This resolution cites recent concerns about the link between premature birth and low birth weight and various common infections among pregnant women. The resolution also mentions concerns among experts about testing and health care costs and the frequent use of antibiotics. The focus in this provision is on Group B Streptococcal infection (GBS), a common and exceedingly dangerous infection, which can cause sepsis, pneumonia, encephalitis, and meningitis, and may result in permanent damage or even death to an infant who was born in good health. It is important to note that the immune systems of newborns are not highly developed; therefore, the child may not be able to fight off serious infections. The Commissioner of Health or his designee will chair the panel and provide technical assistance as necessary to the panel concerning public health matters. Further, representatives of the Virginia Academy of Family Physicians, the Virginia Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, the Virginia Perinatal Association, and the Medical Society of Virginia. The panel will report on its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 1997 Session of the General Assembly.


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