Connecticut 2014 Regular Session

Connecticut House Bill HB05147

Introduced
2/13/14  
Introduced
2/13/14  
Refer
2/13/14  
Refer
2/13/14  
Report Pass
3/25/14  
Refer
4/4/14  
Report Pass
4/10/14  
Report Pass
4/10/14  
Engrossed
5/5/14  
Engrossed
5/5/14  

Caption

An Act Concerning Newborn Screening For Cytomegalovirus And Establishing A Public Education Program For Cytomegalovirus.

Impact

The bill's enactment is expected to significantly impact state laws related to newborn health screenings, aligning with broader public health initiatives. The regulation will integrate screening for CMV into the existing system of tests that newborns receive, potentially leading to early identification and treatment of CMV-related complications. This can improve health outcomes for infants and reduce the incidence of lasting effects that can result from undiagnosed congenital CMV. It also affirms the state's commitment to enhance its newborn screening policies.

Summary

House Bill 05147 is focused on enhancing the newborn screening process for cytomegalovirus (CMV) and establishing a public education program around it. The bill mandates that every newborn is screened for CMV after a failed hearing screening effective January 1, 2015, and it also directs the Commissioner of Public Health to implement a comprehensive education program on CMV. This program is intended to inform pregnant women and women of childbearing age about the risks, transmission, and potential complications associated with CMV, aiming to raise awareness and facilitate early intervention.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 05147 appears to be positive, as it addresses a critical public health issue. Supporters, which likely include healthcare professionals and public health advocates, view the bill as a proactive measure to prevent the adverse impacts of CMV, which can lead to serious health challenges in affected infants. The unified endorsement of the bill during legislative discussions indicates a general consensus on the necessity of additional preventive health measures for newborns.

Contention

While there seems to be considerable support for HB 05147, there may be concerns from specific groups regarding the implementation of new screening protocols, including potential implications for parental consent and the resources needed for effective education programs. Additionally, the inclusion of CMV screening as mandatory raises discussions about the balance of public health duties against individual rights, particularly if there are parents opposed to mandatory testing for religious or personal reasons.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT HB05321

An Act Requiring Newborn Screening For Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

CT SB00014

An Act Assisting School Districts In Improving Educational Outcomes, Implementing The Recommendations Of The Department Of Education And The Technical Education And Career System And Establishing Early Start Ct.

CT HB05290

An Act Concerning Various Revisions To The Public Health Statutes.

CT HB05322

An Act Concerning The Distribution Of Educational Materials Regarding Intimate Partner Violence Toward Pregnant And Postpartum Patients.

CT HB05523

An Act Concerning Allocations Of Federal American Rescue Plan Act Funds And Provisions Related To General Government, Human Services, Education And The Biennium Ending June 30, 2025.

CT SB00133

An Act Concerning Regulation Of Prescription Drugs And Related Professions.

CT SB00286

An Act Concerning Early Childhood Care And Education.

CT HB05367

An Act Concerning Medicaid Coverage Of Rapid Whole Genome Sequencing For Critically Ill Infants And Studies Concerning The Elimination Or Reduction Of The Katie Beckett Waiver Program Waiting List And Medicaid Coverage Of Diapers.

CT HB05051

An Act Establishing Early Start Ct.

CT HB05488

An Act Concerning Various Revisions To The Public Health Statutes.

Similar Bills

TX HB2174

Relating to testing for and education about congenital cytomegalovirus in infants.

TX SB791

Relating to education about congenital cytomegalovirus in infants.

OR HB2685

Relating to cytomegalovirus; and prescribing an effective date.

IN HCR0013

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION urging the Indiana General Assembly to recognize June as National Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month.

MI HB4402

Health: diseases; dissemination of information about cytomegalovirus (CMV) to certain individuals and in certain situations; provide for. Amends secs. 5431 & 5432 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.5431 & 333.5432) & adds sec. 5143.

MI HB5140

Health: diseases; dissemination of information about cytomegalovirus (CMV) to certain individuals and in certain situations; provide for. Amends secs. 5431 & 5432 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.5431 & 333.5432) & adds sec. 5143.

IN HB1110

Information concerning cytomegalovirus infection.

IN HB1439

Information concerning cytomegalovirus infection.