The bill, H.B. No. 2295, aims to enhance newborn screening tests in Texas by including Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) among the conditions screened. It amends the Health and Safety Code to update the heading of Chapter 33 to reflect this addition, specifically naming DMD alongside other heritable diseases and disorders. The bill defines DMD as a progressive muscular degeneration disorder and mandates that the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) conduct screening tests for DMD, phenylketonuria, and other specified conditions. Additionally, it requires the DSHS to notify relevant parties if a newborn is suspected of having any of these conditions based on screening results.

The legislation also outlines the responsibilities of healthcare providers in ensuring that newborns undergo the necessary screening tests and establishes a framework for providing services to individuals who test positive for DMD or other heritable diseases. The bill specifies that the DSHS must implement these changes by September 1, 2027, and the new provisions will take effect on September 1, 2025. Overall, this bill seeks to improve early detection and intervention for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and related disorders in newborns.

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 (Occupations Code 203, Health and Safety Code 33)