Bill > HB1715

This bill amends the Newborn Child Testing Act to add Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) to the list of diseases that are part of the state's mandatory newborn screening program. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a severe genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness and typically affects male children, leading to significant disability and shortened life expectancy. By adding this condition to the screening program, the bill aims to help healthcare providers identify infants with DMD early, which can enable timely medical interventions, potential treatments, and support services that could help manage the condition and potentially improve outcomes for affected children. The amendment requires the Pennsylvania Department of Health, with approval from the Newborn Screening and Follow-up Technical Advisory Board, to include Duchenne muscular dystrophy testing as part of the standard newborn screening tests. The bill will take effect 60 days after its enactment, giving healthcare providers and laboratories time to implement the new screening protocol.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1715