This bill amends section 383.14 of the Florida Statutes to require that, starting January 1, 2027, newborns in Florida 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 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.

The amendment specifies that the requirement for screening for Duchenne muscular dystrophy is to be implemented alongside existing protocols for metabolic and hereditary disorders. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2025, allowing time for the necessary legislative appropriations and adjustments to be made before the new screening requirement takes effect.

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