The bill proposes to amend the Universal Newborn Screening Act in Arkansas by adding Duchenne muscular dystrophy to the list of conditions for which all newborn infants must be tested. Specifically, it modifies Arkansas Code 20-15-302(a)(B)(i) to include the insertion of "duchenne muscular dystrophy and" alongside core medical conditions as outlined in the recommended uniform screening panel by the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services.

This addition aims to enhance the health and welfare of newborns by ensuring that Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a serious genetic disorder, is identified early through newborn screening. The bill reflects a commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for infants by expanding the scope of conditions that are routinely screened at birth.

Statutes affected:
HB 1302: 20-15-302(a)