Bill > SB495

This bill mandates that the Maryland Department of Health, as part of its existing newborn screening system, must now screen for Gaucher disease, a rare genetic disorder that can cause serious health problems. The newborn screening system, established to identify hereditary and congenital disorders in infants, involves laboratory testing, reporting results, and follow-up activities to ensure prompt identification and treatment of affected children. This addition ensures that Gaucher disease will be included in the routine health checks for newborns in Maryland, with the new screening requirement taking effect on October 1, 2026.