This bill amends section 383.14 of the Florida Statutes to require that, beginning January 1, 2027, newborns be screened for Duchenne muscular dystrophy at the appropriate age, contingent upon legislative appropriation. The Department of Health is tasked with adopting and enforcing rules that mandate this screening, in addition to existing requirements for newborn screenings for metabolic disorders and other hereditary conditions. The amendment emphasizes the importance of timely testing and the need for the department to seek funding to implement this new screening requirement.

The bill also outlines the process for expanding the newborn screening program, which includes consultation with the Genetics and Newborn Screening Advisory Council. The department must submit a legislative budget request to add any new conditions recommended by the council, and it is required to implement screenings for these conditions within 18 months of receiving the council's advice, provided that an approved test is available. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 524 Filed: 383.14
S 524 c1: 383.14