Birth Defects Program

The Rhode Island Birth Defects Program was created to identify newborns with birth defects; ensure that these children receive appropriate preventive, specialty and other health care services; and monitor trends. Rhode Island began developing a birth defects surveillance system in 2000, with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

During 2003, the Rhode Island General Assembly enacted legislation (General Laws 23-13.3) requiring the development and implementation of a birth defects reporting, surveillance, and information system. This system will describe the occurrence of birth defects in children up to age five; detect trends of morbidity and mortality; and help make sure children with birth defects receive services and treatment on a timely basis.

The Birth Defects Advisory Council was appointed by the Director of Health to advise the Department on the establishment and implementation of the system and recommend a list of birth defects to be reported to the surveillance system. It is critical that state agencies, health care services providers, community organizations, parents and other key stakeholders, provide input, not only for the development of the surveillance system, but also for issues regarding information dissemination and analyses.

Cases of birth defects are identified through multiple sources, including hospital and specialty clinic data. The Birth Defects Program is currently working with primary care physicians, visiting nurse agencies, and other providers to ensure outreach and follow-up for children with birth defects.