The bill aims to enhance 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 incorporate conditions from both existing state rules and the federal recommended uniform screening panel. The Board is also tasked with conducting feasibility reviews for any new conditions proposed for inclusion, taking into account costs, funding, and potential impacts on state healthcare programs. Additionally, the bill establishes a newborn screening revenue account to manage funds collected for screenings, ensuring these funds are exclusively used for the newborn screening program. It amends the fee structure for screenings, increasing the fee from $8.00 to $8.40.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the distribution of earnings from the investment income account governed by chapter 43.88 RCW, specifying that no appropriation is required for payments to financial institutions, which must occur before earnings are distributed to the state general fund. It outlines the accounts and funds that will receive their proportionate share of earnings based on their average daily balance, including the addition of the behavioral health loan repayment and scholarship program, as well as the newborn screening revenue account. The bill also establishes that certain accounts will receive 80 percent of their proportionate share of earnings and clarifies that state agencies with independent authority over accounts not held by the state treasurer will receive their share based on average daily balances. Sections of the bill include provisions for expiration and effective dates, with Section 7 expiring on July 1, 2030, and Section 8 taking effect on the same date.

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