This bill amends the Public Health Code to enhance newborn screening requirements by adding congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) testing, which must be administered starting March 1, 2028. The bill specifies that health professionals responsible for the care of newborns must conduct tests for various conditions, including phenylketonuria, galactosemia, and others, with the addition of cCMV. The informed consent requirements for these tests are waived, and results must be reported to the infant's parents or guardians, as well as to the department if the cCMV test is positive. The bill also outlines the department's authority to charge a fee for the tests and mandates the development of a public education program regarding cCMV.

Additionally, the bill requires the department to provide information on cCMV to parents and guardians if a positive test result occurs, including treatment options and educational resources about the virus. The department is tasked with creating a public education program that informs pregnant women about the risks and prevention of cCMV, and this information must be disseminated to various health and educational institutions. The bill also includes provisions for the retention and disposal of blood specimens used in testing, ensuring compliance with national standards and confidentiality during medical research.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 333.5431