Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Ways & Means Committee |
HB 3201
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Fees for infant screening.
Sponsors: Representatives Pettigrew, Linville, Sullivan and Ericks.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/8/10
Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).
Background:
Newborn infants born in Washington are screened for several inherited genetic disorders before they are discharged from a hospital. In 2007, screenings were performed for approximately 85,000 newborns. The Department of Health (DOH) assesses a one-time charge for the screening, which is added to billings for maternity services. The current fee is $60.90 per infant. This newborn screening fee does not cover follow-up treatment services for children who screen positive.The DOH is authorized to collect an additional fee to fund specialty clinics that provide treatment services for hemoglobin diseases, phenylketonuria, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, congenital hypothyroidism. The fee is currently set at $3.50. During the 2005-07 biennium, the Legislature authorized the temporary increase of the fee to $6.60 to fund the cost of treatment for five additional disorders that had been added to the newborn screening panel. Since 2007, the additional cost has been covered through General Fund-State resources.
Summary of Bill:
The fee to support specialty clinics that provide services for infants with congenital disorders is increased from $3.50 to $8.40. The purposes for which the fee may be used are extended to the support of organizations conducting community outreach, education and adult support related to sickle cell disease.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.