SCS/SB 319 - This act enables the Department of Health to require the testing of every infant born in the state for phenylketonuria (PKU) and other metabolic or genetic diseases prescribed by the Department. The attending physician, licensed midwife, public health facility, ambulatory surgical center or hospital shall assure that appropriate specimens are collected and submitted to the Department of Health laboratories.

The act also states that the Department of Health shall provide supply all physicians, licensed midwives, public health nurses, and administrators of ambulatory surgical centers or hospitals a written packet of educational information for parents or guardians informing them of the type of specimens obtained, how it is obtained, the nature of the diseases being screened and the consequences of treatment and nontreatment. The attending physician, licensed midwife, public health facility, ambulatory surgical center or hospital shall obtain the written refusal and make it part of the medical record.

The Department may determine and impose a reasonable fee for each newborn screening test made in its laboratories. The Department may collect the fee from either physicians, licensed midwives, public health nurses, or administrators of ambulatory surgical centers or hospitals. Fees may be considered as costs payable by health care third party payers.

The Department, subject to appropriations, shall provide the formula used for the treatment of inherited diseases of amino acids and organic acids to families with a total adjusted gross incomes of $50,000 or less. State assistance shall be available to an applicant upon a showing that such applicant has exhausted all benefits from third party payers.

The act also deletes the rulemaking language.

CHERYL GRAZIER