HCS HB 279 -- SCREENING OF NEWBORNS

SPONSOR:  Barry (Shoemyer)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Children,
Families and Health by a vote of 12 to 0.

This substitute authorizes the Department of Health to expand
the newborn screening requirements of Section 191.331, RSMo, by
including screening for various potentially treatable disorders,
including cystic fibrosis, galactosemia, congenital adrenal
hyperplasia, and other disorders.  The expansion of the newborn
screening requirements is subject to appropriations and is
required to be completed by January 1, 2002.

The department is required to promulgate rules to implement the
provisions of the substitute.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Net Cost to General Revenue Fund of
$1,549,544 in FY 2002, $1,811,372 in FY 2003, and $370,551 in FY
2004.  Estimated Net Effect to Missouri Public Health Services
Fund of $0 in FY 2002, FY 2003, and FY 2004.  Estimated Net Cost
to Highway Funds of $0 to $38,000 in FY 2002, FY 2003, and FY
2004.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill strengthens the
screening of newborns by testing for medically treatable
disorders, some of which have been misdiagnosed.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Shoemyer; Carol and
John Hall; Department of Health; and Missouri Hospital
Association.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that they would
support the bill's provisions if developed through rule by the
department.  If there is a family history of specific disorders,
most of the screening would be covered.  The bill could increase
the cost of health insurance.

Testifying against the bill were United Health Care; and Blue
Cross/Blue Shield of Missouri.

Joseph Deering, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated November 26, 2001 at 11:43 am