BILL NUMBER: S6542

SPONSOR: RIVERA
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to newborn screening
for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency

 
PURPOSE:

Requires glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency testing for all
newborns.

 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section 1 amends paragraph (j) of subdivision 1 of section 2500-a of the
public health law by removing the requirements that limit testing of
glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in newborns.

Section 2 provides the effective date

 
              

JUSTIFICATION:

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an inherited
genetic enzyme disorder that affects the functioning of red blood cells
and has the potential to cause attacks of acute hemolytic anemia, severe
neonatal jaundice, and kernicterus, which is caused by high levels of
bilirubin and can affect brain development. In the most severe cases,
untreated G6PD deficiency leads to permanent brain damage and sometimes
death.

Under current law, there are certain conditions for newborns to qualify
for the G6PD screening. The law requires newborns to already be showing
symptoms of hemolytic anemia, severe jaundice, or be at an ethnic risk
by having African, Asian, Mediterranean, or Middle Eastern ancestry.
Waiting until symptoms are present before screening for G6PD deficiency,
can lead to severe complications for the baby.  When checking a newborn
for G6PD, bilirubin levels can also be checked before it reaches harmful
levels. Currently, bilirubin levels aren't checked until after the
damage has been done. Additionally, by separating this screening out
from other newborn screenings the process to perform the task is made
more complicated, and it is more invasive to the infant-patient. With
New York being such a diverse state, G6PD should be a requirement for
newborn screening regardless if symptoms are present or not. Removing
the preconditions requirement for G6PD testing will ensure that newborns
receive timely treatment that is needed to avoid further complications.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New legislation.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

Minimal.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.