Indicates Matter Stricken

Indicates New Matter

Committee Report

February 16, 2023

S. 394

Introduced by Senator Rice

S. Printed 02/16/23--S.

Read the first time January 17, 2023

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The committee on Senate Medical Affairs

To who was referred a Bill (S. 394) to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by amending Section 44-37-30, relating to neonatal testing of children, so as to provide for the notification of the child's, etc., respectfully

Report:

That they have duly and carefully considered the same, and recommend that the same do pass with amendment:

   Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 44-37-30(B)(2) and inserting:

      (2) If the results of the neonatal testing are abnormal, the department may recommend additional testing and, in addition to the notification requirements established in Section 44-37-30(B)(1), notify one or more of the following to ensure timely provision of follow-up services:

         (a) the physician or healthcare provider attending the child's birth or his designee;

         (b) the physician or healthcare provider responsible for newborn care in the hospital; or

         (c) the physician or healthcare provider identified for follow-up care after the newborn's discharge from the hospital.

      (3) If the results of the neonatal testing are abnormal, time-sensitive, or time-critical, the department may, in addition to notification requirements established in Section 44-37-30(B)(1) and (2), notify and provide information about the abnormal, time-sensitive, or time-critical screening results to a qualified pediatric specialist in accordance with guidelines established by the department's Newborn Screening Advisory Committee for the timely provision of the follow-up services.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

DANIEL VERDIN for Committee.

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A bill

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 44-37-30, RELATING TO NEONATAL TESTING OF CHILDREN, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE NOTIFICATION OF THE CHILD'S PRIMARY PROVIDER AND A QUALIFIED PEDIATRIC SPECIALIST OF ABNORMAL NEWBORN SCREENING RESULTS IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1.   Section 44-37-30(B) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

   (B)(1) Information obtained as a result of the tests conducted pursuant to this section is confidential and may be released only to a parent or legal guardian of the child, the child's physician, and the child when eighteen years of age or older when requested on a form promulgated in regulation by the department.

      (2) In instances where a child has a time-critical abnormal newborn screening result, the department shall notify the child's primary care provider, if known, and may provide information about those abnormal screening results to a qualified pediatric specialist for the timely provision of follow-up services, including further testing, treatment, counseling, and education as needed.

SECTION 2.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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