68-1-1402 - Legislative intent. - Tennessee Statutes

68-1-1402. Legislative intent.

(a)  It is the intention of the general assembly that the program:

     (1)  Be designed with the main emphasis of the program aimed at reducing the infant mortality and low birth weight rates in the state;

     (2)  Facilitate good health practices and the utilization of health care services through prenatal and well-child visits and compliance with medical recommendations;

     (3)  Be targeted to reach teenagers pregnant with their first child, but may also serve high risk pregnant women on a limited basis;

     (4)  Be structured to provide services at least through the infant's first birthday; and

     (5)  Be structured to ensure that participation by those persons targeted to be reached by the program be totally voluntary.

(b)  It is further the intention of the general assembly that the following results be attained:

     (1)  A decrease in the percentage of low weight births;

     (2)  An increase in the proportion of postpartum teens returning to school;

     (3)  A reduction in smoking and other risk behaviors among teenagers served; and

     (4)  Improvement in parenting skills.

[Acts 1992, ch. 990, § 2b.]