Bill > S07662

This bill requires local health departments to take specific actions when a newborn tests positive for cytomegalovirus (CMV), a viral infection that can cause serious health problems in infants. Upon receiving an electronic notification of a positive CMV test, the local health department must immediately contact the newborn's pediatrician, or if unavailable, the chief of newborn services or medical director at the hospital where the baby was born. The health department must also contact the parents to inform them of the positive test. If the initial positive test comes from a saliva specimen, a urine polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test must be administered within three weeks to confirm the result. If the urine test confirms the CMV infection, the health department must again notify medical professionals and contact the parents within a week, referring them to a pediatric infectious disease specialist for a comprehensive examination before the baby reaches four weeks old. This examination includes measuring head circumference, conducting a head sonogram, performing blood tests, eye exams, and hearing evaluations. The bill also requires the commissioner to add CMV to the list of reportable communicable diseases and defines a "newborn" as an infant up to 31 days old. The act will take effect immediately upon passage.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7662