The bill, H.B. No. 2295, amends the Health and Safety Code to include Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in the list of conditions for which newborn screening tests are required. The heading of Chapter 33 is updated to reflect this addition, and a definition of Duchenne muscular dystrophy is provided. The bill mandates that the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) implement a program to combat morbidity and mortality associated with DMD, along with other heritable diseases and hypothyroidism. It also requires the establishment of a laboratory to develop screening tests and methods for prevention and treatment of these conditions.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of healthcare providers in screening newborns for DMD and other specified disorders. It stipulates that if a newborn is suspected of having DMD based on screening results, the DSHS must notify relevant parties, including the attending physician and the newborn's parents. The bill also allows for referrals to services for children with special health care needs for those who test presumptively positive for DMD or other conditions. The changes are to be implemented by September 1, 2027, with the act taking effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 33.001, Health and Safety Code 33.002, Health and Safety Code 33.011, Health and Safety Code 33.014, Health and Safety Code 33.031, Health and Safety Code 33.032, Occupations Code 203.355 (Health and Safety Code 33, Occupations Code 203)
House Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 33.001, Health and Safety Code 33.002, Health and Safety Code 33.011, Health and Safety Code 33.014, Health and Safety Code 33.031, Health and Safety Code 33.032, Occupations Code 203.355 (Health and Safety Code 33, Occupations Code 203)