This bill amends Chapter 9 of Title 39 of the Idaho Code, focusing on health and safety regulations related to newborns. It repeals several existing sections that pertain to the duties of health officers and the instillation of germicides in newborns' eyes, specifically Sections 39-902, 39-903, 39-905, 39-906, 39-907, and 39-910. In their place, the bill introduces new provisions, including a requirement for the reporting of reportable diseases in newborns and mandates the application of ocular antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum. Additionally, it clarifies language regarding birth reports and revises provisions related to required tests for newborns.

The bill also establishes new requirements for dried blood specimen collection for newborn screening, detailing procedures for both healthy infants and those requiring special care. It outlines the responsibilities of healthcare providers in ensuring that these specimens are collected and submitted in a timely manner. Furthermore, it declares that certain administrative rules related to newborn screenings will be null and void after July 1, 2025, and includes a provision for an emergency declaration, making the act effective immediately upon that date.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 39-902, 39-903, 39-905, 39-906, 39-907, 39-910, 39-904, 39-909, 39-912