• English
    X

    Google Translate Disclaimer

    The Maryland Department of Information Technology (“DoIT”) offers translations of the content through Google Translate. Because Google Translate is an external website, DoIT does not control the quality or accuracy of translated content. All DoIT content is filtered through Google Translate which may result in unexpected and unpredictable degradation of portions of text, images and the general appearance on translated pages. Google Translate may maintain unique privacy and use policies. These policies are not controlled by DoIT and are not associated with DoIT’s privacy and use policies. After selecting a translation option, users will be notified that they are leaving DoIT’s website. Users should consult the original English content on DoIT’s website if there are any questions about the translated content.

    DoIT uses Google Translate to provide language translations of its content. Google Translate is a free, automated service that relies on data and technology to provide its translations. The Google Translate feature is provided for informational purposes only. Translations cannot be guaranteed as exact or without the inclusion of incorrect or inappropriate language. Google Translate is a third-party service and site users will be leaving DoIT to utilize translated content. As such, DoIT does not guarantee and does not accept responsibility for, the accuracy, reliability, or performance of this service nor the limitations provided by this service, such as the inability to translate specific files like PDFs and graphics (e.g. .jpgs, .gifs, etc.).

    DoIT provides Google Translate as an online tool for its users, but DoIT does not directly endorse the website or imply that it is the only solution available to users. All site visitors may choose to use alternate tools for their translation needs. Any individuals or parties that use DoIT content in translated form, whether by Google Translate or by any other translation services, do so at their own risk. DoIT is not liable for any loss or damages arising out of, or issues related to, the use of or reliance on translated content. DoIT assumes no liability for any site visitor’s activities in connection with use of the Google Translate functionality or content.

    The Google Translate service is a means by which DoIT offers translations of content and is meant solely for the convenience of non-English speaking users of the website. The translated content is provided directly and dynamically by Google; DoIT has no direct control over the translated content as it appears using this tool. Therefore, in all contexts, the English content, as directly provided by DoIT is to be held authoritative.

    Maryland Department of Health
    Newsroom

    ​​

    DEPARTMENT TO REQUEST PUBLIC COMMENT ON PROPOSAL TO BAN SALE OF CRIB BUMPER PADS IN MARYLAND

     

    Download News Release Here 

    Baltimore, MD (September 27, 2011) -- The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene today announced that it will publish for public comment a proposal to ban the sale of crib bumper pads for infants starting in January 2013.  The Department also released a document summarizing the evidence and providing the basis for its action. The proposed ban is part of a broader effort to promote safe sleep for infants by encouraging the ABCs: Babies should sleep Alone, on their Backs, and in a Crib.    

    The proposal follows a public input and review process.  As part of this process, a panel of health experts, after reviewing available data, evidence and public comments and holding two public meetings, concluded that the risks associated with the use of crib bumper pads in infant cribs outweigh potential benefits.    

    “Our priority is the health of infants in Maryland,” said Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein, Secretary of DHMH. “We agree with our expert advisors that based on all available evidence, these products pose an unnecessary risk to infants.”  

    The proposal is in the “informal” stage, meaning that the Department will consider public comments before deciding whether to proceed to a formal proposal under the state’s administrative procedures.  This is a step that the Department can take when additional input may be helpful.  Today’s proposal on infant crib bumper pads includes several specific questions for public input.  

    The Department’s investigation into crib bumper pads commenced on April 22, 2011, with the publication in the Maryland Register of a request for public comments. Secretary Sharfstein then appointed a panel of health experts to review the comments and other available evidence, and to advise the Department on whether action regarding the use of bumper pads was warranted. The panel held two public meetings, on May 20, 2011 and July 13, 2011.  

    The Department reviewed all comments, documents and transcripts from the meetings, and determined that the risk of death from crib bumper pads, while rare, is real, and is not offset by commensurate benefits.  

    The proposed ban would apply to pads intended to be used around the sides of a crib until the age that an infant is able to pull to stand. This would exclude pads for older infants or for children who have special needs. The proposal would prohibit the sale of the crib bumper pads beginning on January 1, 2013, in order to allow for considerable public education in the context of the “safe sleep” message. 

    All comments should be submitted by 5 p.m. November 4, 2011.  Comments may be submitted by mail to Michele Phinney, Director, Office of Regulation and Policy Coordination, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 201 W. Preston Street, Room 512, Baltimore, MD 21201, or call 410-767-6499, TTY: 800-735-2258, or by email to  regs@dhmh.state.md.us, or by fax to 410-767-7483.  

    ###
    ​

     

    ​