Connecticut General Statutes
Chapter 368e - Municipal Health Authorities
Section 19a-219. (Formerly Sec. 19-92). - Prevention of blindness in newborn infants.

(a) Any inflammation, swelling or unusual redness in the eyes of any infant, either apart from or with any unnatural discharge from the eyes of such infant, occurring at any time within two weeks after the birth of such infant, shall, for the purposes of this section, be designated as “inflammation of the eyes of the newborn”. The person in attendance at the birth of any infant shall instill into the eyes of such infant, immediately after birth, a prophylactic preparation approved by the Department of Public Health for the purpose of preventing inflammation of the eyes of newborns. Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be fined not less than ten dollars nor more than fifty dollars.

(b) The prophylactic treatment required by subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to any infant whose parents object to the treatment as being in conflict with their religious tenets and practice. Any person who objects to such treatment shall indemnify attending medical personnel for expenses incurred in connection with any civil action based on lack of such treatment. For purposes of this subsection, “expenses” includes, but is not limited to, judgments, settlements, attorneys' fees and court costs.
(1949 Rev., S. 3868; P.A. 77-614, S. 323, 610; P.A. 93-381, S. 9, 39; P.A. 95-257, S. 12, 21, 58; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-8, S. 41.)
History: P.A. 77-614 replaced department of health with department of health services, effective January 1, 1979; Sec. 19-92 transferred to Sec. 19a-219 in 1983; P.A. 93-381 replaced department of health services with department of public health and addiction services, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Public Health, effective July 1, 1995; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-8 designated existing provisions as Subsec. (a), deleted eye-inflammation reporting requirement, reference to number of eye drops required and requirement that the department furnish solution and added new Subsec. (b) re religious exception.

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