KBSR is a state-mandated surveillance system designed to provide information on the incidence, prevalence, trends and possible causes of stillbirths, birth defects and disabling conditions. KBSR collects information on children from birth to age five diagnosed with any structural, functional or biochemical abnormality. The system relies primarily on hospital, vital statistics and laboratory reporting. KBSR is administered by the Department for Public Health in the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
KBSR was developed through a collaboration with the March of Dimes, the Kentucky Hospital Association, KBSR Advisory Committee and advocacy organizations to develop an information collection system. KBSR collects information on inpatients from acute care hospitals and birthing centers. Reporting is required by medical laboratories licensed in Kentucky. Hospital outpatient reporting is voluntary. KBSR operates under the authority of KRS 211.651-670.
Confidentiality
The legislation provides strict confidentiality guidelines for the registry. All identifying information is strictly safeguarded and is protected by state law from unauthorized release.
Our Mission
The mission of the KBSR program is to develop and implement a Birth Surveillance Registry that promotes early and accurate identification of children with birth anomalies and other disabling conditions and facilitate prevention, planning and service delivery in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Our Objective
Surveillance
- Create and maintain a registry of birth defects in Kentucky
- Analyze the patterns of birth defects in Kentucky
- Monitor data for changes in rates through time and geography
- Respond to requests for aggregate data
- Evaluate timeliness and quality of data on birth defects
- Compile and disseminate surveillance data
Research
Facilitate research studies to help identify causes of birth defects
Prevention
Support the education of the general public and health professionals about the causes, surveillance, impact and prevention of birth defects
Services
- Refer identified children and their families to appropriate services
- Evaluate referral program
- Take a multivitamin that contains 400 mcg of folic acid every day.
- Have regular medical checkups.
- Talk to your health care provider about any medical problems and medicine uses (both over-the-counter and prescription). Ask about avoiding any substances at work or home that might be harmful to a developing baby.
- Keep vaccinations updated.
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat.
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco and street drugs.