- Introduced -

SB 1055 - This act creates a grant program for the establishment of an umbilical cord blood bank.

Subject to appropriations, the Department of Health and Senior Services must establish a grant program for the establishment of an umbilical cord blood bank for recipients of blood and blood components who are unrelated to the blood donor. The Director of the Department must establish grant eligibility criteria by rule. In awarding the grant, the Department must consider the ability and experience of the applicant and the applicant's commitment to continue the bank upon expiration of the grant/contract. Upon the award of a grant, the recipient must agree to:

- Operate an unrelated bank at least until the 8th anniversary of the grant;

- Gather, collect, and preserve umbilical cord blood only from live births; and

- Comply with financial and reporting requirements.

(Sections 192.730 and 192.731).

The authorized grant will be awarded for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2003, and may be awarded in subsequent years if funds are specifically appropriated for that purpose (Sections 192.732 and 192.733).

ERIN MOTLEY