Reporting of Birth Defects – Wis. Admin. Code DHS §116-04

Providers who diagnose or treat a child with a birth defect or those who diagnose or treat a child with a suspected birth defect must report the defects to the Department of Human Services’ Division of Maternal Child Health.  Similarly, a pediatric specialty clinic that diagnoses or treats a child with a birth defect or suspected birth defect must report  the defects to the Department  The provider or clinic does not need to report the birth defect if it has already been reported.  A hospital that diagnoses or treats a child with a birth defect or suspected birth defect may report the defects to the Department.   The reporting individual is not required to report the name or address of the child for whom the report is made if the parent or guardian does not give written consent. 

All reports made must contain the data elements contained in Appendix B.  Reports can be made the Department on paper or electronically.  The report must be submitted to the Department within 15 days after the birth defect is identified. 

The Department must maintain an updated registry that accurately documents the diagnosis of any child in the state reported to have a birth defect.  The Department may request more information from a provider if there is a discrepancy in the information provided.  The Department may also refer the child to a local health officer or other program for children with special needs with the parent’s informed consent.