SCS HB 716 -- NEWBORN SCREENING TESTS AND PREMATURE INFANTS

This bill changes the laws regarding newborn screening tests and
premature infants.

NEWBORN SCREENING TESTS

The Brady Alan Cunningham Newborn Screening Act is established
which requires, by July 1, 2012, the Department of Health and
Senior Services to expand newborn screening requirements to
include certain specified lysosomal storage diseases.  The
department is authorized to increase the current fee for newborn
screening tests to cover the additional costs of the expanded
tests.

PREMATURE INFANTS

The MO HealthNet Program and the State Children's Health
Insurance Program (SCHIP), in consultation with statewide
organizations focused on premature infant health care, must
examine and improve hospital discharge and follow-up care
procedures for premature infants born earlier than 37 weeks
gestational age; urge certain hospitals to report
rehospitalizations of infants born premature at earlier than 37
weeks gestational age within their first six months of life; and
use guidance from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services' Neonatal Outcomes Improvement Project to implement
programs to improve outcomes, reduce costs, and establish ongoing
quality improvement for newborns.  By December 31, 2009, the
Department of Health and Senior Services must prepare written
educational publications with information about possible
complications, proper care, and support associated with premature
infants; distribute the materials to children's health and
maternal care providers, hospitals, public health departments,
and medical organizations; and encourage those organizations to
provide the publications to parents or guardians of premature
infants.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated November 17, 2009 at 9:25 am