Bill > S0686

This bill expands the requirements for newborn screening tests in Rhode Island by authorizing midwives, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants (in addition to physicians) to ensure newborns undergo screening for various medical conditions. The bill requires screening for metabolic, endocrine, and hemoglobinopathy disorders, and other conditions with potential medical benefits for early detection and treatment, including a developmental risk assessment. The Department of Health is granted authority to establish screening guidelines, including adopting tests from the federal Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) within two years of their addition, with potential flexibility for implementation timeframes. The bill also provides new regulations for handling newborn screening specimens, emphasizing data privacy and confidentiality. Specifically, the department can establish rules for specimen storage, access, and use, and designate such data as protected health information. The screening program remains a covered benefit for health insurers, with provisions for payment by hospitals, healthcare facilities, or state medical assistance programs when no third-party payer is available. Importantly, parents can still object to screening tests on religious grounds, and the screening specimens and related information are protected from subpoena or use as evidence in legal proceedings.

Health and Social Services

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