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| Member Name | Member Seat |
| Vacant | Pediatrician recommended by the Louisiana State Medical Society |
| Vacant | Board-certified clinical geneticist recommended by Ochsner New Orleans |
| Vacant | Board-certified clinical geneticist recommended by Tulane Medical Center |
| Vacant | Board-certified clinical geneticist recommended by Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans |
| Vacant | Board-certified clinical geneticist recommended by Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport |
| Vacant | Maternal Fetal Medicine physician recommended by the March of Dimes |
| Vacant | Parent Representative recommended by a parent group or self-application |
| Vacant | Consumer Representative recommended by a consumer group or self-application |
| Vacant | Epidemiologist employed by or contracted to the Louisiana Department of Health |
Louisiana Birth Defects Monitoring Network Advisory Board
The Louisiana Birth Defects Monitoring Network Advisory Board was established through Louisiana Revised Statutes 40.31.41 to 31.48 and Louisiana Administrative Code Title 48, Part V, Subpart 55, Chapters 161 & 163 in 2004 within the Louisiana Department of Health to “make recommendations on the implementation and continuing operation of the surveillance system.”
The surveillance system is managed by the Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health, Bureau of Family Health, Louisiana Birth Defects Monitoring Network Program. The program also creates an annual legislative report that collects and analyzes information on birth defects to support prevention programs.
The Advisory Board works with the Louisiana Birth Defects Monitoring Network Program and serves Louisiana’s maternal and child health population by:
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Using birth defects data in children ages 0–3 to better understand how many, where, why, and how frequently birth defects occur in Louisiana, and to inform and guide birth defects prevention programs and policy.
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Ensuring the provision of resource information to families of children with birth defects on locally available medical, social, and educational services.
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Striving to be an active partner in birth defects education and prevention efforts in Louisiana.
Learn more by visiting the Louisiana Birth Defects Monitoring Network Program webpage.
Responsibilities of the Louisiana Birth Defects Monitoring Network Advisory Board
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Review and recommend changes to state laws, policies, and regulations related to the Louisiana Birth Defects Monitoring Network.
Goals and Priorities of the Louisiana Birth Defects Monitoring Network Advisory Board
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Develop strategies to reduce preventable birth defects.
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Recommend strategies to improve access to healthcare and supportive resources for families impacted by birth defects.
Membership
The Advisory Board members are individuals with expertise and perspective to guide the Bureau of Family Health in surveillance operations, referral to resources initiatives, and birth defects prevention strategies. The current law specifies board membership by medical institutions, some of which have changed affiliation over time. The Advisory Board consists of nine members appointed by the Louisiana Department of Health Secretary as outlined in the statute. To apply or nominate someone for a seat on this commission, please email [email protected].
Meeting Information: Schedule, Agendas, and Minutes
The Louisiana Birth Defects Monitoring Network Advisory Board is required to hold at least one regular meeting each year, as stated in Louisiana Revised Statute 40.31.41 to 31.48.
To request an accommodation for a public meeting or event hosted by the Louisiana Birth Defects Monitoring Network Advisory Board under the Bureau of Family Health, please contact [email protected]. Accommodations include, but are not limited to, requests for interpreters, accessible seating, large print, virtual attendance, and more.
2025 Meetings
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May 16, 2025: Meeting Agenda | Meeting Minutes
2022 Meetings
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October 21, 2022: Meeting Agenda | Meeting Minutes
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June 24, 2022: Meeting Agenda | Meeting Minutes
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January 21, 2022: Meeting Agenda | Meeting Minutes
For more information, contact the Bureau of Family Health Louisiana Birth Defects Monitoring Network Advisory Board Facilitator:
[email protected]
Bureau of Family Health, Louisiana Birth Defects Monitoring Network and Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System Program Manager