What are MDH’s current activities?
The 2004 Legislature amended the birth defects statute (MS 144.2215) to enable establishment of the Minnesota Birth Defects Information System (M-BDIS). This included clarifying language on goals, data sources, reporting without liability, data privacy, an opt-out clause, and guidelines on conducting research. The definition of a “birth defect” is consistent with that used by CDC, other states, and national organizations. The new text became effective March 2005, when MDH received a federal grant to support implementation. The MDH is currently implementing surveillance activities at all birthing hospitals in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties. This involved designing a secure data gathering and storage system, creating the opt-out documents, and collaborating with current service providers. The MDH is also working closely with the multi-disciplinary Birth Defects Work Group to evaluate data sources, prevention priorities, and possible future program directions. The following physicians provi
