This bill amends section 383.14 of the Florida Statutes to require that, starting 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 to ensure that every newborn undergoes necessary screenings, including those for conditions recommended by the Genetics and Newborn Screening Advisory Council. The bill emphasizes the importance of timely testing and the availability of FDA-approved tests or alternatives for the conditions included in the screening program.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for expanding the newborn screening program to include new conditions as they are recommended by the advisory council. The Department of Health must submit a legislative budget request to seek funding for the inclusion of any new tests, and it is required to implement the screening for newly recommended conditions within 18 months of the council's advice, provided that an appropriate 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