U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, introduced the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act on May 2, an attempt to better standardize newborn screening across states and reduce preventable deaths and disabilities.
The legislation would reauthorize federal assistance to states in expanding newborn screening programs and ensuring lab quality. The bill renews funding for the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act, first signed into law in 2008.
Prior to 2008, 10 states and Washington, D.C., required infants to be screened for a complete panel of disorders. Now, all but one state screens for at least 31 of 35 recommended conditions, and there’s a federal database on newborn testing information.
“Every year, thousands of babies are born with health conditions that require early detection so doctors and parents can intervene with proper treatment. Through early intervention and treatment, children can be spared from serious, long-term health issues,” Herrera Beutler said in a press release. “I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort to ensure that comprehensive newborn screening programs continue and are improved to protect more babies.”
The bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Reps. Lucille Roybal-Allard, D-Calif., Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, and Katherine Clark, D-Mass.
