This bill proposes to amend current statutes regarding the newborn screening program in Arizona by adding Duchenne muscular dystrophy to the list of conditions that must be screened. Under the current law, the Department of Health Services (DHS) is required to establish a newborn screening program that includes all congenital disorders on the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP). The bill specifies that Duchenne muscular dystrophy will be added to this state's newborn screening panel, in addition to the congenital disorders already mandated by the current law.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions that require the DHS to notify the Arizona Legislative Council within ten days of Duchenne muscular dystrophy being added to the RUSP. It also sets an effective date for the amendments, which will be either October 1, 2027, or two years after Duchenne muscular dystrophy is added to the RUSP, whichever comes first. The bill makes technical changes to the existing statute, ensuring that the newborn screening program remains effective and efficient while expanding its scope to include this specific condition.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-694
Senate Engrossed Version: 36-694