This 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 July 1, 2026. The new panel will incorporate all conditions from the existing federal recommended uniform screening panel and allows the public to petition for new additions based on sufficient scientific evidence. Additionally, the bill increases the fee for newborn screenings from $8.00 to $8.40 to fund specialty clinics and community outreach related to congenital disorders, while establishing a newborn screening revenue account to manage these funds.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the distribution of earnings from the investment income account, specifying that no appropriation is required for payments to financial institutions, which must occur before distributing earnings to the state general fund and other accounts. It introduces the newborn screening revenue account as a new recipient of these earnings. The bill also establishes a timeline for certain provisions, stating that Section 7 will expire on July 1, 2030, while Section 8 will take effect on the same date, ensuring that the changes to the distribution of earnings are temporary and subject to review.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70.83.020, 70.83.023, 70.83.030