Louisiana Senate Bill SCR17

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/13/15
• Refer: 4/14/15
• Report Pass: 4/22/15
• Passed: 4/27/15
• Engrossed: 4/27/15
• Refer: 4/28/15
• Report Pass: 5/27/15

Caption

Directs the Department of Health and Hospitals to evaluate and report on the health benefits and costs of adding Krabbe disease to the list of mandatory screenings performed on newborns under certain circumstances.

Impact

If approved, SCR17 would potentially alter state laws related to newborn health screenings, increasing focus on genetic disorders such as Krabbe disease. The evaluation would consider recommendations from national health committees, which could lead to a broader initiative for improving the healthcare outcomes for infants at risk of genetic disorders. The resolution suggests a proactive approach to health care policies concerning mandatory screenings in Louisiana, emphasizing the importance of early detection of serious genetic conditions.

Summary

SCR17, introduced by Senator Mills, is a concurrent resolution aimed at directing the Department of Health and Hospitals to evaluate the health benefits and costs associated with adding Krabbe disease to the list of mandatory newborn screenings. Krabbe disease, a significant concern noted in the bill, primarily affects the nervous system and manifests itself in infants, often leading to serious health complications or even death within the first two years of life. The resolution highlights the urgency of considering Krabbe disease for inclusion in newborn screenings to ensure early detection and intervention.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SCR17 appears to be positive, with unanimous support reflected in the voting outcome (98 yeas, 0 nays) during the House Vote on June 3, 2015. This overwhelming support indicates a bipartisan acknowledgment of the importance of early screening and intervention for serious health conditions affecting newborns. The sentiment indicates a collective understanding of the potential benefits of implementing such crucial health measures.

Contention

While SCR17 has garnered broad support, the potential implications of adding Krabbe disease to the mandatory screening list could lead to future discussions about healthcare funding and the logistics of screening implementation. Concerns may arise regarding the costs associated with additional screenings and whether the current healthcare framework can accommodate these changes without straining resources. Moreover, stakeholders might debate the prioritization of Krabbe disease compared to other genetic disorders that also warrant attention for newborn screenings.