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Connecticut Law Prohibits “Keepsake” Sonograms
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Connecticut House Bill 5635, an Act Concerning Sonography Procedures for Medical and Diagnostic Purposes, was signed into law by Governor M. Jodi Rell effective July 1, 2009.  The new law limits obstetrical ultrasound procedures to only those ordered by a licensed healthcare professional and are needed for a medical or diagnostic purpose.

The bill passed due to a growing use of ultrasound for entertainment “keepsake” purposes.     Evidence to support the passing of the bill included DVD recordings of the procedures and “family viewings.” One woman reportedly had 19 non-medical ultrasounds taken during the course of a pregnancy.  

Governor Rell pointed out the hazard in abusing the diagnostic procedure when used excessively for extended periods of time saying, "… ultrasound is a form of radiated energy--and any such energy has the potential to affect human tissue.”

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), “using ultrasound equipment only through a prescription ensures that pregnant women will receive professional care that contributes to their health and to the health of their babies, and that ultrasound will be used when medically indicated.”

The ARDMS Legislative and External Affairs Committee will continue to monitor the developments of the legislative activities and provide updates via the ARDMS website (www.ARDMS.org), and in future editions of Registry Reports and NewsWire.

Sources: HealthImaging.com, “Connecticut Bans “Keepsake” Ultrasound.  Follow this link (http://www.healthimaging.com/index.php?option=com_articles&view=article&id=18194) to read the full article.