253.12(1)(c) (c) “Infant or child" means a human being from birth to the age of 2 years.

253.12(1)(d) (d) “Physician" has the meaning given in s. 448.01 (5).

253.12(2) (2)  Reporting.

253.12(2)(a) (a) Except as provided in par. (b), all of the following shall report in the manner prescribed by the department under sub. (3) (a) 3. a birth defect in an infant or child that is specified under sub. (3) (a) 2. or (d):

253.12(2)(a)1. 1. A pediatric specialty clinic in which the birth defect is diagnosed in an infant or child or treatment for the birth defect is provided to the infant or child.

253.12(2)(a)2. 2. A physician who diagnoses the birth defect or provides treatment to the infant or child for the birth defect.

253.12(2)(am) (am) Any hospital in which a birth defect is diagnosed in an infant or child or treatment is provided to the infant or child may report the birth defect in the manner prescribed by the department under sub. (3) (a) 3.

253.12(2)(b) (b) No person specified under par. (a) need report under par. (a) if that person knows that another person specified under par. (a) or (am) has already reported to the department the required information with respect to the same birth defect of the same infant or child.

253.12(2)(c) (c) If the department determines that there is a discrepancy in any data reported under this subsection, the department may request a physician, hospital or pediatric specialty clinic to provide to the department information contained in the medical records of patients who have a confirmed or suspected birth defect diagnosis. The physician, hospital or pediatric specialty clinic shall provide that information within 10 working days after the department requests it.

253.12(2)(d) (d) The department may not require a person specified under par. (a) 1. or 2. to report the name of an infant or child for whom a report is made under par. (a) if the parent or guardian of the infant or child states in writing that he or she refuses to release the name or address of the infant or child.

253.12(2)(e) (e) If the address of an infant or child for whom a report is made under par. (a) is included in the report, the department shall encode the address to refer to the same geographical location.

253.12(3) (3)  Department duties and powers.

253.12(3)(a) (a) The department shall do all of the following:

253.12(3)(a)1. 1. Establish and maintain an up-to-date registry that documents the diagnosis in this state of any infant or child who has a birth defect, regardless of the residence of the infant or child. The department shall include in the registry information that will facilitate all of the following:

253.12(3)(a)1.a. a. Identification of risk factors for birth defects.

253.12(3)(a)1.b. b. Investigation of the incidence, prevalence and trends of birth defects using epidemiological surveys.

253.12(3)(a)1.c. c. Development of primary preventive strategies to decrease the occurrence of birth defects without increasing abortions.

253.12(3)(a)1.d. d. Referrals for early intervention or other appropriate services.

253.12(3)(a)2. 2. Specify by rule any birth defects the department determines the existence of which requires a report under sub. (2) to be submitted to the department and that the council under sub. (4) does not unanimously decide should be reported.

253.12(3)(a)3. 3. Specify by rule the content, format and procedures for submitting a report under sub. (2).

253.12(3)(a)3m. 3m. Require persons specified under sub. (2) (a) that are required to report to notify a parent or guardian of the infant or child who is diagnosed with a birth defect of the option to refuse to release the name and address of the infant or child to the registry.

253.12(3)(a)4. 4. Notify the persons specified under sub. (2) (a) of their obligation to report.

253.12(3)(b) (b) The department may monitor the data contained in the reports submitted under sub. (2) to ensure the quality of that data and to make improvements in reporting methods.

253.12(3)(d) (d) The secretary, after reviewing recommendations of the council under sub. (4), shall maintain a list of specific birth defects the existence of which requires a report under sub. (2) to be submitted to the department and that the council unanimously decides are required to be reported.

253.12(4) (4)  Council on birth defect prevention and surveillance. The council on birth defect prevention and surveillance shall meet at least 4 times per year and shall do all of the following:

253.12(4)(a) (a) Make recommendations to the department regarding the establishment of a registry that documents the diagnosis in the state of an infant or child who has a birth defect, as required under sub. (3) (a) 1., the specific birth defects for which a report is required under sub. (2) on which the council unanimously decides, the rules that the department is required to promulgate under sub. (3) (a) 3., and on the general content and format of the report under sub. (2) and procedures for submitting the report. The council shall also make recommendations regarding the content of a report that, because of the application of sub. (2) (d), does not contain the name of the subject of the report.

253.12(4)(b) (b) Coordinate with the early intervention interagency coordinating council to facilitate the delivery of early intervention services to children from birth to 3 years with developmental needs.

253.12(4)(c) (c) Advise the secretary and make recommendations regarding the registry established under sub. (3) (a) 1.

253.12(4)(d) (d) Beginning April 1, 2002, and biennially thereafter, submit to the appropriate standing committees under s. 13.172 (3) a report that details the effectiveness, utilization and progress of the registry established under sub. (3) (a) 1.