TO AMEND THE NEWBORN UMBILICAL CORD BLOOD INITIATIVE ACT; TO ABOLISH THE ARKANSAS COMMISSION FOR THE NEWBORN UMBILICAL CORD BLOOD INITIATIVE; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Arkansas parents’ cord blood bank changes hands

Beginning July 1, 2025, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) runs the Newborn Umbilical Cord Blood Bank. The law abolishes the former commission and transfers its duties, staff, records, contracts, property, remaining funds, and budget and purchasing functions to UAMS. Existing rules, licenses, and standards stay in effect until legally changed or repealed. Parents of children born in Arkansas can voluntarily donate tissue and fluid collected after birth for research and medical treatment. The bank must offer voluntary education for pregnant women about public and private banking, collection, storage, medical uses, risks, benefits, and costs. A UAMS faculty medical director oversees operations, protects donor privacy, promotes donations, and approves administration, collection, and storage fees. The director must plan research and treatment uses under national quality standards, plan private storage, and register donations through National Cord Blood Program registries. The director can seek federal and private grants and other funding. The law sets no fee amounts or direct household payments.