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 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.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for expanding the newborn screening program to include new conditions as they are recommended by the advisory council. It mandates that the Department of Health submit a legislative budget request to secure funding for the inclusion of any new tests. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2025.

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