This bill amends section 71-519 of the Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024, concerning newborn screening in Nebraska. It mandates that all infants born in the state be screened for various inherited or congenital diseases, with confirmatory tests required for presumptive positive results. The bill outlines the responsibilities of attending physicians, hospitals, and laboratories in collecting and reporting test results, as well as the Department of Health and Human Services' authority over the use, retention, and disposal of blood specimens. Additionally, it requires the department to provide written materials explaining the testing program and the importance of retaining blood specimens.

A significant change introduced by this bill is the addition of a provision stating that nothing in this section shall require an infant to undergo screening if the parent or guardian objects. This exemption aims to respect parental rights while still promoting public health initiatives. The bill also repeals the original section 71-519, consolidating the updated language into the law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 71-519