Legislation
On this page, you’ll find important information about laws related to Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) and Abusive Head Trauma.
We want to shine a light on current and proposed laws. Our goal is to support changes that focus on facts and evidence, so we can protect both children and their caregivers.
Take a look at our list of legislative updates and summaries. By sharing this information, we hope to raise awareness and encourage real change in how the law deals with these serious issues.
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Protecting the rights of families responding to allegations of abuse
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Allow second opinions and more
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Placing children with family members
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Parents may obtain medical records to request 2nd opinion
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Allow second opinions
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Allow second opinions
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Bans terminating parent-child relationship for seeking opinion or moving child another medical facility
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Change how names are added to child abuse registry
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Notification of rights to review findings.
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Notification of rights related to recordings
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Changes to termination of parental rights
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Consultations in child abuse investigations
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Removing names from child abuse registries
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Allow second opinions
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Writ of habeas corpus based on relevant scientific evidence
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A resolution recognizing April 13-19, 2020 as “Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness Week” in Pennsylvania.
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Requiring parent education on Shaken Baby Syndrome and the potential consequences.
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Requires parental notification and opportunity to appeal findings.
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Increases penalties for felony assault, specifically mentioning a child under 7 years of age with subdural hemorrhage, intercranial hemorrhage and retinal hemorrhages.
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To increase penalties for child abuse.
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Establishes public awareness campaign concerning Period of PURPLE Crying program and shaken baby syndrome.
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Require notice of parent legal rights in child protective services cases
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Require consideration of harm of removal in child abuse or neglect cases.
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Warrant for child removal to shorten timeline for health and prioritize family placement more.
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Allow second opinions
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Foster placement with relatives
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Protecting Innocent Families Act
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Protections for subjects of abuse investigations, second opinions
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Protections for parents being investigated
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Requires notification of amedical records
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Amended education code relating to child care.
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Second opinions
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Rights for medical records
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“Quincy’s Law” to allow differential diagnosis
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Rights related to interview recordings
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To create a comprehensive program of education regarding Shaken Baby Syndrome.