Sec. 33.004. STUDY ON NEWBORN SCREENING METHODOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT

(a) Not later than March 1, 2006, the department shall:

(1) conduct a study to determine the most cost-effective method of conducting newborn screening, including screening for disorders listed in the core uniform panel of newborn screening conditions recommended in the 2005 report by the American College of Medical Genetics entitled "Newborn Screening: Toward a Uniform Screening Panel and System" or another report determined by the department to provide more appropriate newborn screening guidelines, to protect the health and welfare of this state's newborns and to maximize the number of newborn screenings that may be conducted with the funding available for the screening;

(2) determine the disorders to be studied under Subdivision (1) and ensure the study does not examine screening and services provided under Chapter 47; and

(3) obtain proposals or information regarding the conduct of newborn screening and compare the costs of the department performing newborn screening services to the costs of outsourcing screening to a qualified laboratory with at least two years' experience performing newborn screening tests.

(a-1) Expired.

(a-2) Expired.

(b) In accordance with rules adopted by the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission, the department may implement a newborn screening program.

(b-1) Expired.

(c) If the department determines under Subsection (a) that the department's performance of newborn screening services is more cost-effective than outsourcing newborn screening, the department shall obtain the use of screening methodologies, including tandem mass spectrometers, and hire the employees necessary to administer newborn screening under this chapter.

(d) If the department determines under Subsection (a) that outsourcing of newborn screening is more cost-effective, the department shall contract for the resources and services necessary to conduct newborn screening using a competitive procurement process.

(e) The department shall periodically review the newborn screening program as revised under this section to determine the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the program and determine whether adjustments to the program are necessary to protect the health and welfare of this state's newborns and to maximize the number of newborn screenings that may be conducted with the funding available for the screening.

(f) The department may adjust the amounts charged for newborn screening fees, including fees assessed for follow-up services, tracking confirmatory testing, and diagnosis.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 940 , Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.