Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB927

Introduced
1/17/22  
Refer
1/17/22  
Engrossed
2/3/22  
Refer
2/11/22  
Enrolled
3/9/22  

Caption

Newborn screening program; include those conditions listed on the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel within three years after listing.

Impact

The passage of HB 927 is expected to significantly affect state laws regarding newborn health. By aligning Mississippi's newborn screening practices with national standards set by the RUSP, the bill aims to ensure that families receive timely and critical health information about their newborns' conditions. This can lead to early medical intervention, which is vital for many conditions that are screened. However, the requirement for annual reporting to legislative committees in cases of delay adds a layer of transparency and oversight, potentially encouraging faster action from the health department.

Summary

House Bill 927 aims to enhance the comprehensive newborn screening program in Mississippi by requiring the State Department of Health to include all conditions listed on the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) within three years after they are added. This legislative initiative is designed to improve early detection of serious medical conditions in newborns, thereby potentially decreasing morbidity and mortality associated with these ailments. The bill not only mandates the inclusion of new conditions into the screening but also introduces accountability measures that require the health department to report on any delays in implementation to the legislative health committees.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 927 is largely supportive among health professionals and advocates for child health, who view the bill as a necessary step towards improving healthcare outcomes for infants in Mississippi. Proponents argue that improved screening can save lives and reduce long-term healthcare costs by enabling early treatment. However, there may be concerns from some quarters regarding the capacity of the State Department of Health to effectively implement the expanded screening requirements and handle the additional reporting.

Contention

Notable points of contention around HB 927 include the logistical and financial implications of expanding the newborn screening program to comply with the new requirements. Critics may argue that implementing these changes could strain resources within the State Department of Health, especially in terms of funding and workforce capacity. Additionally, there might be discussions around the implications of parental rights, particularly for those who may object to certain screenings on religious or personal grounds, which the bill acknowledges by allowing exemptions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB946

Newborn screening program; include cytomegalvirus (CMV) in conditions tested for.

MS HB643

Newborn screening program; include cytomegalovirus (CMV) in conditions tested for.

MS SB2900

Newborn screening program; revise certain provisions of.

MS HB1782

Newborn screening requirements; federal Recommended Uniform Screening Panel, evaluation, report.

MS SB256

Newborn Screening Panel, procedure for addition of conditions to panel, further provided for

MS HB77

Newborn Screening Panel, procedure for addition of conditions to panel, further provided for

MS HCR33

Requests a study concerning potential inclusion in the state's newborn screening panel of all disorders listed on the federal Recommended Uniform Screening Panel

MS H1073

Newborn Screenings

MS SB1344

Newborn screening program

MS AB2563

Newborn screening program.

Similar Bills

MS HB280

Comprehensive School Health Education Program; include additional components in and require school nurse to teach.

MS HB643

Newborn screening program; include cytomegalovirus (CMV) in conditions tested for.

MS HB946

Newborn screening program; include cytomegalvirus (CMV) in conditions tested for.

MS SB2705

Local Planning Commission members; authorize increase in monthly compensation.

MS SB2429

Local Planning Commission members; authorize increase in monthly compensation.

MS SB2716

Commission on Mississippi Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) and Vision Benefits Manager (VBM) Issues; establish.

MS HB630

Hospice and Palliative Care Study and Advisory Committee Act; create.

MS SB2900

Newborn screening program; revise certain provisions of.