Article I-Name
The name of this organization shall be the Council on Birth Defect Prevention and Surveillance [s. 15.197 (12), Wis. Stats].

Article II-Object
(Purpose, Responsibilities, and Functions)

Section 1. Purpose
The purpose of this organization is to advise the Department of Health and Family Services regarding the development of the birth defects surveillance system outlined in 1999 Wisconsin Act 114.

Section 2. Responsibilities
This organization is responsible to make recommendations to the Department of Health and Family Services regarding the following:
a. the establishment of a birth defects registry,
b. the rules that the Department of Health and Family Services is required to promulgate,
c. the disorders that should be monitored,
d. the content, format, and procedures for submitting a report, and
e. any other matters upon which the Department of Health and Family Services wishes the Council’s opinion (i.e. outreach/education activities, etc.).

Section 3. Functions
The Council in its functions shall:
a. coordinate with the Early Intervention Interagency Coordinating Council to facilitate the delivery of early intervention services to children from birth to 3 years with developmental needs,
b. advise and make recommendations to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Family Services regarding the establishment of the birth defects registry,
c. provide summary reports and a formal advisement document to the Department on a specified schedule, and
d. beginning April 1, 2002, and biennially thereafter, submit to the appropriate standing committees a report that details the effectiveness, utilization and progress of the birth defects registry.

Article III-Membership
Section 1. Appointment
Members are appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Family Services [s. 15.197 (12), Wis. Stats.].

Section 2. Term of Membership
Initial members shall serve for two, four, and six year terms. Subsequent members shall serve for four-year terms. Members may serve additional terms, either consecutively or non-consecutively. Members may resign from the Council at any time.

Article IV-Officers
Section 1. Electees
The elected officer shall be a chairperson.

Section 2. Election
For the initial year of the Council, the chairperson shall be appointed by the Administrator of the Division of Public Health.

For subsequent years, the chairperson shall be elected by the council membership as a whole during the yearly February meeting. The chairperson shall serve for a term of one year. A chairperson may serve additional terms, either consecutively or non-consecutively.

Section 3. Election Procedures
Election of the chairperson shall be by majority vote.

Section 4. The Chairperson
The chairperson shall:
a. Assist the Department of Health and Family Services in establishing the agenda and meeting preparation.

b. Prioritize and assure efficient progress through the agenda as outlined.

c. Serve as liaison person to the Department of Health and Family Services.

Section 5. Officer Vacancies
In the event that the chairperson position should become vacant, the council body as a whole shall elect a replacement by majority vote.

Article V-Council Meetings
Section 1. Regular Meetings
The council shall meet 4 times per year.

Article VI-Subcommittees
Section 1. Composition
Subcommittees of four to five people will be formed based on individual interest and content expertise.

Section 2. Duties of Subcommittees
The Subcommittees shall:
a. deal with such issues as the conditions to be monitored, the reporting form, the reporting medium, program evaluation and confidentiality among others, and
b. report back to the full Council membership.