Newborn heart disease screening amended, advanced

Senators amended a bill May 21 that would adopt the Nebraska Critical Congenital Heart Disease Screening Act.

Under LB225, introduced by Papillion Sen. Jim Smith, all newborns in Nebraska would be required to undergo screening for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) in accordance with standards adopted by the state Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Senators voted 40-0 to return the bill to select file for consideration of an amendment offered by Smith that would remove a requirement that DHHS develop educational materials explaining CCHD.

Smith said webinars and other educational materials are available and that removing the requirement would eliminate the estimated $16,000 cost associated with the bill.

“With the adoption of this amendment, the fiscal note will go away,” he said.

As amended on general file, the bill would require birthing facilities to develop and implement policies for newborn CCHD screening. For planned deliveries outside of a birthing facility, the prenatal care provider would inform the parent of the screening requirement and the parent would be responsible for having the screening performed.

For other deliveries outside of a birthing facility – if the newborn is not admitted to a birthing facility – the person registering the birth would be responsible for having the screening performed.

The bill also would require DHHS to apply for federal funds for the program.

Following adoption of the Smith amendment on a 44-0 vote, lawmakers advanced the bill to final reading by voice vote.