BILL ANALYSIS
AB 1307
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Date of Hearing: May 20, 2009
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Kevin De Leon, Chair
AB 1307 (Buchanan) - As Amended: May 5, 2009
Policy Committee: Health Vote:15-1
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program:
No Reimbursable:
SUMMARY
This bill requires the California Department of Public Health
(DPH) to consider modifications of the statewide Newborn
Screening Program (NSP) with respect to screening for conditions
recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG)
or a similar federally-recognized oversight body. In addition,
this bill requires DPH to implement those recommendations for
screening unless the department determines a recommendation
would not improve infant health.
FISCAL EFFECT
No direct fiscal impact for DPH to continue oversight of the
newborn screening program and to remain current with clinical
recommendations with regard to screening expansions. California
currently tests for 76 NSP disorders, including all 29 mandatory
screenings recommended by ACMG and most of the additional
conditions for which ACMG recommends testing if specified
conditions are met.
COMMENTS
1)Rationale . This bill increases DPH authority to stay current
with recommendations of ACMG. The ACMG provides education and
support to professionals working in genetics as well as
promoting the development and implementation of methods to
diagnose, treat and prevent genetic diseases.
2)California Newborn Screening . The NSP tests for specific
diseases in four categories: metabolic, hormonal, blood, and
other genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis. According to
statewide data, 750 babies each year are diagnosed with
diseases via NSP. Screening tests require a few drops of blood
AB 1307
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from the heel during the baby's first few hours following
birth. The blood is sent to a state-approved lab for testing.
Positive tests generate contact with a newborn's parents
while negative tests are sent to an infant's provider.
Analysis Prepared by : Mary Ader / APPR. / (916) 319-2081