The bill amends section 383.14 of the Florida Statutes to enhance newborn screening requirements. Specifically, it mandates that, starting January 1, 2027, and subject to legislative appropriation, all newborns must be screened for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This addition is part of a broader effort to ensure that newborns are tested for various metabolic disorders and hereditary conditions, as recommended by the Genetics and Newborn Screening Advisory Council.

In the revised language, the bill maintains the existing requirements for newborn screenings, including blood specimen collection before the newborn reaches one week of age and testing for conditions on the federal Recommended Uniform Screening Panel. The amendment also clarifies that the Department of Health must implement the screening for Duchenne muscular dystrophy as soon as a suitable test becomes available, following the council's recommendation and subsequent legislative appropriation. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1089 Filed: 383.14
H 1089 c1: 383.14
H 1089 c2: 383.14
H 1089 er: 383.14