The bill seeks to improve the newborn screening process in Washington State by mandating that the Department of Health conduct screenings within 48 hours of birth and requiring the State Board of Health to reestablish the newborn screening panel by January 1, 2027. This new panel will include conditions from both existing state rules and the federal recommended uniform screening panel. Additionally, the bill introduces a feasibility review process for any new conditions added to the panel, ensuring that factors such as costs, funding, and impacts on healthcare programs are thoroughly evaluated.

Moreover, the bill modifies existing laws regarding fees for newborn screenings, allowing the Department of Health to charge a reasonable fee of $8.40 to cover screening costs, which can be collected through the facility performing the screening. It establishes the newborn screening revenue account to manage these funds, ensuring they are used for the program's implementation and administration. The bill also addresses the distribution of earnings from the investment income account, specifying that payments to financial institutions must occur before distributing earnings to the state general fund and detailing the accounts that will receive their share of earnings. Additionally, it sets expiration and effective dates for certain provisions to clarify the distribution process.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70.83.020, 70.83.023, 70.83.030
Substitute Bill: 70.83.020, 70.83.023, 70.83.030