The Birth Defects Program works to reduce preventable birth defects and support the health and well-being of children born with them. This work aligns with the Washington State Department of Health's mission to improve the health of all people in Washington.
The Birth Defects Surveillance System (BDSS) started in 1986 as an active tracking system and became a passive system in 1991. We are now working to make it active again.
Learn what birth defects are, what can cause them, and where individuals and families can find more information and support resources.
Are you a health care provider supporting newborns? Find reporting requirements, electronic templates, and education materials to support accurate and timely birth defect reporting.
Under Washington Administrative Code, chapter 246-101 WAC, health care providers must report 9 notifiable birth defects and 3 developmental conditions. Learn which congenital abnormalities are notifiable by law to public health authorities and how to report them.
Explore More DOH Programs
- Early Hearing Detection, Diagnosis and Intervention
- Genetics Program
- Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs
For more information or questions, please contact us.