Newborn heart disease screening approved

Senators voted May 29 to adopt the Nebraska Critical Congenital Heart Disease Screening Act.

Under LB225, introduced by Papillion Sen. Jim Smith, all newborns in Nebraska will 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).

The bill requires birthing facilities to develop and implement policies for newborn CCHD screening. For planned deliveries outside of a birthing facility, the prenatal care provider will inform the parent of the screening requirement and the parent will 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 will be responsible for having the screening performed.

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

LB225 passed on a 47-0 vote.