BILL NUMBER: S7662
SPONSOR: MAY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to requiring report-
ing of positive cytomegalovirus test results
 
PURPOSE:
This legislation will require the reporting of cytomegalovirus in the
Electronic Clinical Laboratories Reporting System.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one amends article 21 of the public health law is amended by
adding a new title 9.
Section two establishes the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common congenital viral infection and the
leading non-genetic cause of deafness in children, While most CMV
infections do not cause harmful side effects and those infected may not
show any signs or symptoms, the effects have the potential to be devas-
tating to a newborn; 20,000 to 40,000 infants are born with CMV and
nationwide roughly 400 children die from CMV annually. Despite many
infants appearing asymptomatic at birth, at least 20 percent of those
with CMV will develop permanent disabilities, such as hearing loss,
microcephaly, intellectual deficits and vision abnormalities.
Despite the potential dangers associated with CMV infection, many people
remain unaware of the infection and no data is collected on CMV
infection in New York State. A variety of communicable diseases, includ-
ing HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, influenza, tuberculosis and more, are reported
in the Electronic Clinical Laboratories Reporting system (ECLRS). Such
reporting allows public health officials to collect data, monitor
infection rates and implement strategies to stop the spread of communi-
cable diseases. Although CMV infection is fairly common, reporting of
CMV is not required, making it more difficult to raise awareness of its
prevalence and help prevent its transmission.
This legislation will begin collection of such data by establishing a
process for the reporting of positive cytomegalovirus tests to the
ECLRS.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: A.1518 Referred to Health
2021-22: A.8217 - Referred to Health
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Undetermined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.