Bill > SB1344

This bill modifies Arizona's existing newborn screening program by updating requirements for testing newborns for congenital disorders and hearing loss. The bill establishes a two-year timeline for adding new disorders to the state's screening panel, with an important exception: if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved a commercial test method and a laboratory-developed test method requires FDA premarket review, the two-year addition timeline does not apply. The bill requires the director of the Department of Health Services to maintain a central database of newborn screening results, which remains confidential, and to provide follow-up services for families when tests indicate potential hearing loss or congenital disorders. The director must also establish a committee to provide annual recommendations on newborn screening best practices, and may establish a fee for operating the screening program, which must be reviewed by the joint legislative budget committee. Additionally, the bill requires health insurers and the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System to update hospital rates to reflect any fee increases. The bill clarifies definitions of "newborn" (up to 28 days old) and "infant" (29 days to two years old), ensuring comprehensive coverage of early childhood health screening.

Health and Social Services

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/82740