SPONSOR: Davidson
This bill requires the Department of Health and Senior Services to destroy the results of newborn screening tests after one year from the date the results were finalized.
Currently, specimens are retained by the Department for a period of five years. This bill changes that time frame to one year. Additionally, current law provides that in certain circumstances biological specimens may be released for purposes of anonymous scientific study. This bill repeals that authorization.
The bill changes current law relating to newborn infant screenings to provide that an infant can not be tested for certain diseases unless the parent or guardian of the infant consents to the testing. This bill specifies the criteria required for any consent to be deemed valid.
Currently, the parents of any child who refuse screening for their infant must document the refusal in writing. This bill repeals that requirement, and provides that all hospitals seeking the consent of the parent or guardian must provide a written packet of educational information developed by the Department.
Current law allows the Department to charge a reasonable fee for the use of specimens for public health research and preparing and supplying specimens for research proposals. This bill removes that authorization.
Statutes affected: