FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 3201

C 17 L 10 E1

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Fees for infant screening.

Sponsors: House Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Representatives Pettigrew, Linville, Sullivan and Ericks).

House Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Background:

Newborn infants born in Washington are screened for several heritable 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 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, and congenital hypothyroidism. Except during the 2005-07 biennium when 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, the fee has been set at $3.50. Since 2007, the additional cost has been covered through State General Fund resources.

Summary:

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.

Votes on Final Passage:

First Special Session