BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has signed a bill into law that requires care providers to offer up-to-date educational information to parents whose children are diagnosed with Down syndrome.
The Democratic governor signed the bill Friday in a small ceremony with families, advocates and state lawmakers.
Under the legislation, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health must make the most recent, evidence-based written information on Down syndrome available to individuals and facilities that provide prenatal and postnatal care or genetic counseling. The information must include details such as life expectancy, intellectual and functional development and treatment options.
Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray, who attended the signing, said the new law will help ensure that important resources are available to parents.
