The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 6919, mandates the inclusion of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in the newborn screening program in Connecticut. Specifically, it amends subsection (c) of section 19a-55 of the general statutes to require that, starting July 1, 2027, DMD be added to the list of conditions for which newborns are screened. The bill also maintains the existing requirement for screening for various other conditions, including amino acid disorders, hypothyroidism, and cytomegalovirus, among others.

The bill repeals the current language in the statute and substitutes it with new provisions that explicitly list the conditions screened for, ensuring that DMD is recognized as a critical condition requiring early detection. The effective date for the inclusion of DMD is set for July 1, 2027, allowing time for the necessary adjustments to the screening program. This legislative change aims to enhance early diagnosis and intervention for newborns affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy.