Enrolled Bill Summary

House Bill 2478	House Author:  Klick et al.
Effective:  9-1-23	Senate Sponsor:  Blanco et al.

            House Bill 2478 amends the Health and Safety Code to replace the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reporting requirement under current law regarding additional newborn screening tests funded by the newborn screening preservation account with a requirement that DSHS prepare and submit an annual report containing information set out by the bill for each newborn screening test that screens for a disorder listed as a core condition in the federal Recommended Uniform Screening Panel but for which DSHS does not currently require testing. Additionally, the bill authorizes DSHS to use newborn screening preservation account funds to ensure that the laboratory established or approved by DSHS is available seven days a week to perform required newborn screening tests. Furthermore, the bill requires a newborn or infant who does not pass the newborn hearing screening to be tested for congenital cytomegalovirus unless the newborn's or infant's parent declines the test.