Newborn screening measure moves forward

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate approved legislation Wednesday to bring Oklahoma in line with federal standards regarding infant screenings. Senate Bill 1464, by Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, would require the state Health Department’s (OSDH) screening list to be updated regularly to match the federal Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP).

“Newborn screenings are crucial in detecting a number of conditions that, if left untreated, can lead to significant health problems and possibly a shorter life expectancy,” Hicks said. “Given that one in three babies are born with one of these conditions, we have to make sure that all recommended screenings are conducted so parents can get their children any treatments or therapies needed to help protect them.”

The RUSP includes a list of genetic, metabolic, hormonal, and functional conditions that are undetectable at birth except through testing. Currently, Oklahoma screens for 57 of the 61 federally-recommended conditions, along with two point-of-care conditions.  

The bill was requested by one of her constituents, Colin McEwen, whose unidentified condition at birth and decades of misdiagnosis has left him disabled and caused tremendous financial hardship for his family. 

“Colin’s story is not unique, but no one should have to suffer like this because our state isn’t conducting all of the available screenings,” Hicks said. “I want to thank Colin for sharing his story and bringing this critical issue to the Legislature’s attention, and for Women in Government and the EveryLife Foundation for their assistance in crafting this important healthcare measure that will protect future Oklahomans.”

The national guidelines are established by the U.S. Secretary of Health in coordination with the Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children (ACHDNC), which works with parent advocates, organizations, and experts to keep newborn screenings current. The RUSP includes 35 core conditions and 26 secondary conditions.

SB 1464 will next be considered in the House where Rep. Judd Strom, R-Copan, is carrying the measure.

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For more information, contact:  Sen. Hicks: (405) 521-5543 or Carri.Hicks@oksenate.gov