The bill establishes an advance universal newborn screening program under the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, which will oversee the administration of the program and provide educational resources regarding various genetic conditions. It amends existing laws to include new conditions for screening as identified by the secretary of health and environment, while removing specific references to congenital hypothyroidism, galactosemia, and phenylketonuria. The bill also outlines the department's responsibilities in providing screening tests, follow-up programs, and necessary treatment products for diagnosed conditions, ensuring these services are offered at no cost to families.

Additionally, the bill increases state financial assistance to local health departments and modifies the annual assessment on hospital services, raising the maximum rate from 3% to 6% of net inpatient and outpatient operating revenue. It establishes the Kansas newborn screening fund to financially support the program, with provisions for transferring funds from the medical assistance fee fund. The bill also amends K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 65-6209 and K.S.A. 65-6210, focusing on the assessment imposed on certain hospital providers, establishing exemptions for specific hospital types, and modifying the payment schedule for assessments. The act will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
H Sub for: 38-2001, 65-180, 65-181, 65-1626, 65-183, 65-242, 65-6208, 65-6209, 65-6210
Enrolled: 65-180, 65-6208, 65-6209, 65-181, 65-1626, 65-183, 65-242, 65-6210