New York Senate Bill S07662

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/25/25
• Refer: 4/25/25

Caption

Requires a local health department to report positive cytomegalovirus results.

Impact

This legislation aims to enhance public health safety by ensuring that newborns who test positive for CMV receive timely medical attention and necessary follow-ups. By mandating contact with healthcare professionals and the parents, the bill is expected to facilitate early intervention strategies for managing CMV, which can have serious long-term health implications if left untreated. The requirement for the disease to be added to the list of communicable diseases also elevates its status within the public health framework, encouraging better awareness and management of the condition.

Summary

Bill S07662 mandates local health departments in New York to report positive cytomegalovirus (CMV) test results for newborns. Upon receiving such results from electronic clinical laboratory systems, local health authorities must notify the pediatrician associated with the newborn immediately. If the pediatrician is unreachable, the department must contact the chief of newborn services or the medical director at the relevant hospital. Additionally, parents of affected newborns must also be informed of the positive results promptly.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on improving health outcomes for newborns, there may be discussions surrounding the implications of mandatory reporting and how this might affect local health departments' workflows and resource allocation. Some healthcare professionals may express concerns about the adequacy of existing systems to handle the increased burden of reporting and coordinating care for affected infants, while supporters of the bill argue that the health benefits justify these adjustments.