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CS/SB 168 — Congenital Cytomegalovirus Screenings
by Health Policy Committee and Senator Polsky
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Health Policy Committee (HP)
The bill amends newborn health screening requirements in s. 383.145, F.S., to require that all newborns who are born in a hospital that provides neonatal intensive care services and who are born before 35 weeks gestation, require cardiac care, or require medical or postsurgical treatment for at least three weeks, be tested for the cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Additionally, the bill requires that if the newborn is transferred to another hospital for higher-level care, the receiving hospital must administer the CMV test if the test was not already performed at the transferring hospital or birth facility. The bill clarifies that a CMV test is required if the newborn will be transferred or admitted for intensive and prolonged care, regardless of whether the newborn failed his or her hearing screening.
The bill creates a new requirement that CMV screening, and medically necessary follow-up reevaluations leading to diagnosis, are covered benefits for Medicaid patients and that private health insurance policies and health maintenance organizations that provide comprehensive coverage must compensate providers for the covered benefit at the contracted rate. The bill provides that a child who is diagnosed with CMV must be referred to a primary care physician and the Children’s Medical Services Early Intervention Program for the management of his or her condition.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, the bill takes effect July 1, 2024.
Vote: Senate 34-0; House 114-0