The Universal Newborn Screening Act aims to ensure that all newborns in Arkansas are screened for core medical conditions as recommended by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The bill establishes an advanced universal newborn screening program administered by the Department of Health, which will test newborns for conditions listed in the recommended uniform screening panel. The act mandates that any new core medical conditions added to this list will be tested within 36 months of their introduction, contingent upon funding approval. Additionally, the Department of Health is tasked with maintaining a program for reviewing and following up on positive test results to ensure early diagnosis and treatment.

The bill also includes provisions for the confidentiality of information collected during the screening process and outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Health in enforcing the act, prescribing tests, and disseminating information about the conditions screened. Notably, the act repeals the previous definition of spinal muscular atrophy and updates the coverage requirements for newborn screening under health benefit plans to align with the new regulations. Overall, the act seeks to enhance the health and welfare of newborns through comprehensive screening and timely intervention.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1102 Original - 1-10-2023 11:22 AM: 20-15-302, 25-19-101, 20-15-304, 23-79-1801(4)
Old version HB1102 V2 - 1-23-2023 09:49 AM: 20-15-302, 01-23-2023, 25-19-101, 20-15-304, 23-79-1801(4)
Old version HB1102 V3 - 3-27-2023 03:37 PM: 20-15-302, 03-27-2023, 20-15-304, 25-19-101, 23-79-1801(4)
HB 1102: 20-15-302, 03-27-2023, 20-15-304, 25-19-101, 23-79-1801(4)
Act 490: 20-15-302, 03-27-2023, 20-15-304, 25-19-101, 23-79-1801(4)