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HB 471

Health; licensed general hospitals and birthing centers make available a water safety education video to parents or guardians of newborn infants; require

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Carter Barrett and 5 co-sponsors

HB 471 requires hospitals and birthing centers to provide water safety education videos to parents of newborns, aiming to reduce water-related accidents and enhance infant safety.

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Bill Summary · HB 471

Summary of House Bill 471 (HB 471)

Bill Title: Health; licensed general hospitals and birthing centers make available a water safety education video to parents or guardians of newborn infants; require
Bill Number: HB 471
Status: Senate Tabled
Introduced: February 18, 2025

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 471 aims to enhance water safety education for parents and guardians of newborn infants. The bill mandates that licensed general hospitals and birthing centers provide a water safety education video to parents or guardians before the discharge of their newborns. This initiative is intended to promote awareness and education about water safety, potentially reducing the risk of water-related accidents among infants.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following key changes to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated:

  1. Water Safety Education Requirement:

    • Hospitals and birthing centers must make available a video presentation on water safety education for parents or guardians of newborn infants. This presentation must be viewed onsite prior to the infant's discharge.

  2. Documentation:

    • Parents or guardians will receive a water safety education form developed by the Department of Community Health. This form must be signed and dated, indicating whether the parent or guardian viewed the video or chose to refuse it. The completed form will be maintained by the department.

  3. Definition of Water Safety Education:

    • The term "water safety education" is defined as per Code Section 20-2-779.4, ensuring consistency in understanding the educational content.

  4. Regulatory Authority:

    • The Department of Community Health is tasked with promulgating necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this bill.

  5. Repeal of Conflicting Laws:

    • Any laws conflicting with the provisions of this act will be repealed to ensure clarity and enforceability.

Impact

  • Target Audience: The primary beneficiaries of this legislation are parents and guardians of newborn infants, who will receive crucial information on water safety.
  • Healthcare Facilities: Licensed general hospitals and birthing centers will be required to implement these educational measures, potentially necessitating training for staff and adjustments to discharge procedures.
  • Public Health: By promoting water safety education, the bill aims to contribute to the overall safety and well-being of infants, potentially reducing incidents of drowning and water-related injuries.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 18, 2025: Bill introduced and entered the House Hopper.
  • February 27, 2025: Favorably reported by the House Committee.
  • March 6, 2025: Passed/Adopted by the House by substitute.
  • March 10, 2025: Read and referred to the Senate.
  • March 21, 2025: Favorably reported by the Senate Committee.
  • March 25, 2025: Read a second time in the Senate.
  • April 2, 2025: Tabled in the Senate.

This summary provides an overview of HB 471, outlining its purpose, provisions, and potential impacts on public health and safety.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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