The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend current statutes regarding the newborn screening program in Arizona by adding Duchenne muscular dystrophy to the list of conditions that must be screened for. Specifically, it would insert a new requirement that the Department of Health Services (DHS) include Duchenne muscular dystrophy in the state's newborn screening panel, effective either on October 1, 2027, or two years after it is added to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, the bill mandates that the DHS notify the Arizona Legislative Council within ten days of Duchenne muscular dystrophy being added to the RUSP.

Current law requires the DHS to establish a newborn screening program that includes all congenital disorders on the RUSP. The bill would maintain this requirement while also ensuring that any new congenital disorders added to the RUSP are incorporated into Arizona's screening panel within two years. The bill also makes technical and conforming changes to the existing statutes, including updates to the effective date and notification procedures related to the addition of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

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