LEGISLATIVE FISCAL OFFICE
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note On: SB 414 SLS 24RS 597
Bill Text Version: ENROLLED
Opp. Chamb. Action:
Proposed Amd.:
Sub. Bill For.:
Date: May 23, 2024 9:22 AM Author: BASS
Dept./Agy.: Louisiana Department of Health
Subject: Safe Haven Infant Safety Devices Analyst: Tamiko Stroud
CHILDREN EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX Page 1 of 1
Authorizes the installation and use of newborn safety devices at infant relinquishment sites designated in the Safe Haven
Law. (8/1/24)
Proposed law authorizes the installation of newborn safety devices in any designated emergency care facility that is manned continuously
on a 24-hour basis, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Proposed law requires the employee who mans the newborn safety device to be
an emergency response provider who is certified in neonatal resuscitation and pediatric advanced life support. Proposed law designates
emergency care facilities that install a newborn safety device to be responsible for 1) the cost of the installation, 2) installing an adequate
dual alarm system connected to the safety device, 3) ensuring the device is cleaned and sanitized, 4) maintaining documentation of the
testing of alarm system and cleaning of device, 5) installing a card holder with Safe Haven information and including other materials in an
envelope to be readily available in the device for the relinquishing parent, 6) adopting written policies for receiving newborns who have
been relinquished into safety devices, and 7) maintaining neonatal and pediatric resuscitation supplies.
EXPENDITURES 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 5 -YEAR TOTAL
State Gen. Fd. $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Agy. Self-Gen. $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Ded./Other $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Federal Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Local Funds SEE BELOW SEE BELOW SEE BELOW SEE BELOW SEE BELOW
Annual Total
REVENUES 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 5 -YEAR TOTAL
State Gen. Fd. $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Agy. Self-Gen. $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Ded./Other $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Federal Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Local Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Annual Total $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
EXPENDITURE EXPLANATION
The proposed legislation is anticipated to increase Local Funds expenditures by an indeterminable amount as a result of local entities being
responsible for the installation costs of the newborn safety device and other requirements including having designated emergency
response providers with specialized certification as well as neonatal and pediatric resuscitation supplies. The newborn safety devices have
an estimated cost of $20,000 per device, which includes installation, electrical and alarm system hookup, and staff training. In addition,
this measure requires the newborn safety devices to be manned for the required timeframe by an emergency response provider certified
in neonatal resuscitation (NRP) and pediatric advanced life support (PALS) and further requires the maintenance of neonatal and pediatric
supplies. Costs associated with these two requirements are indeterminable.
For informational purposes, the LFO received information from LSU Health that estimated the cost of 20 providers per hospital to
continuously man a newborn safety device at approximately $44 per hour per provider. To the extent local emergency care facilities will be
required to pay or reimburse for the certifications in NRP and PALS, this measure will increase expenditures by an additional one-time cost
of $425 per provider ($275 for NRP + $150 for PALS = $425).
The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is the lead agency for Safe Haven law, and the LA Department of Health (LDH) is
a member of the Safe Haven Consortium and works closely with DCFS on Safe Haven implementation. This measure would require DCFS
to modify Safe Haven informational cards to be stocked within the safety device’s card holder and include other materials in an envelope
to be readily available in the device for the relinquishing parent. The department expects the cost of brochures and envelopes to be
minimal and can be absorbed within its existing resources.
Information on the DCFS’s website indicates there are three (3) emergency care facilities operated by LDH and designated as Safe Haven
locations for the state - Central Louisiana State Hospital, Eastern Louisiana Mental Health System, and Villa Felicia Medical Complex. The
proposed legislation would require these facilities to have emergency response providers certified in NRP and PALS to man the device 24
hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year. LDH reports the proposed law is voluntary regarding the installation of newborn safety
devices, and the department will not be installing safety devices.
In addition, this measure requires DCFS to contact the Missing and Exploited Children Information Clearinghouse for information on
missing endangered adults and missing children to determine if the child has been reported missing. DCFS reports there is no anticipated
effect on governmental expenditures as a result of this requirement.
REVENUE EXPLANATION
There is no anticipated direct material effect on governmental revenues as a result of this measure.
Senate Dual Referral Rules House
13.5.1 >= $100,000 Annual Fiscal Cost {S & H} 6.8(F)(1) >= $100,000 SGF Fiscal Cost {H & S}
13.5.2 >= $500,000 Annual Tax or Fee Patrice Thomas
6.8(G) >= $500,000 Tax or Fee Increase
Change {S & H} or a Net Fee Decrease {S} Deputy Fiscal Officer